Comparison between Ropivacaine 0.25% and Bupivacaine 0.25% in Paediatric Caudal Anaesthesia in Infra Umbilical Surgeries (A Study of 60 Cases)

Abstract

Background: Caudal epidural is the most common regional anaesthesia technique for treating post-operative pain in pediatric patients. It is commonly used for procedures like urogenital, rectal, inguinal and lower extremity surgery. Objective: To compare the anaesthetic potential of bupivacaine 0.25% and ropivacaine 0.25% for infra-umbilical surgical procedures. Methods: This study included 60 children of ASA (American society of anesthesiologists) I & II grade of either gender, scheduled for various elective infra-umbilical surgical procedures. Patients were randomized to receive bupivacaine 0.25% or ropivacaine 0.25% each total dose of 1 ml kg-1. The randomization sequence was computer-generated and prepared in a double-blind man¬ner. Post-operative motor block was assessed with Bromage motor scale and postoperative analgesia was observed with an observer pain scale. Statistical data were analyzed by using student’s unpaired t-test. Results: The mean duration of analgesia in group B was 266.0±1.89 minutes and group R was 251±2.68 minutes. The differ¬ence was statistically highly significant (p<0.0001). The mean duration of motor block in group B was 236.0±1.89 minutes and in the group, R was 204±2.22 minutes. The difference was statistically highly significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: In the present study caudal administration of bupivacaine 0.25% (1 ml kg-1) resulted in a longer duration of anal¬gesia and motor block compared with 0.25% ropivacaine (1 ml kg-1), with no significant difference in the hemodynamics and the incidence of side effects.