Comparison of continuous epidural infusion of 0.125% ropivacaine with 1 μg/ml fentanyl versus 0.125% bupivacaine with 1 μg/ml fentanyl for postoperative analgesia in major abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present study was carried out to compare the efficacy of continuous epidural infusion of two amide local anesthetics, ropivacaine and bupivacaine with fentanyl for postoperative analgesia in major abdominal surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were randomized into two study Groups B and R with thirty patients in each group. All patients were administered general anesthesia after placing epidural catheter. Patients received continuous epidural infusion of either 0.25% bupivacaine with 1 ug/ml fentanyl (Group B) or of 0.25% ropivacaine with 1 ug/ml fentanyl (Group R) at the rate 6 ml/h intraoperatively. Postoperatively, they received 0.125% bupivacaine with 1 ug/ml fentanyl (Group B) or 0.125% ropivacaine with 1 ug/ml fentanyl (Group R) at the rate 6 ml/h. Hemodynamic parameters, visual analog scale (VAS), level of sensory block, and degree of motor block (based on Bromage scale) were monitored for 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Hemodynamic parameters and VAS scores were comparable in the two groups. The level of sensory block was higher in bupivacaine group. There were more patients with higher Bromage score in the (23.3%) bupivacaine group than in (6.7%) ropivacaine group though the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both ropivacaine and bupivacaine in the concentration of 0.125% with fentanyl 1 ug/ml are equally safe, with minimal motor block and are effective in providing postoperative analgesia.