2021, Vol. 4, Issue 2, Part A

Methods: 80 patients of ASA I/II physical status undergoing elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries were randomised into 2 groups. Group C (n=40) patients received 3ml of 0.75% plain ropivacaine with 0.4 ml of normal saline and Group D (n=40) patients received 3 ml of 0.75% plain ropivacaine with 0.4 ml of 25% dextrose. Hemodynamic parameters, time of onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, maximum height of block, total duration of sensory and motor blockade and time to mobilise were recorded.

Results: Hemodynamic parameters were comparable between the two groups except at few intervals. Demographic data and duration of surgery were comparable. The onset of block to T10 in group C 10.1 ± 1.6 min, group D 4.6 ± 0.9 (p value <0.001), mean time to maximum block in group C 13.0 ± 2.7 min, group D 8.9 ± 0.9 (p value <0.001) were statistically significant. Mean duration of block at T10 in group C was 94.7± 24.7 min, group D 146.1 ± 31.9 (p value <0.001), duration of sensory regression in group C 291.6 ± 74.3 min, group D 239.9 ± 39.8 (p value <0.001), duration of motor regression in group C 225.4 ± 68.4 min, group D 186.0 ± 41.0 (p value 0.003) and time to mobilise in group C was 309.1 ± 76.3 min, group D 251.0 ± 41.1 min (p value <0.001) which were statistically significant.

Conclusion: Hyperbaric ropivacaine has early and faster onset, spreads more to higher levels, has more denser block and is early to regress compared to plain ropivacaine.