Comparative Study Among Ketamine, Fentanyl, and Ropivacaine, as Pre-incisional Analgesic Given by Surgical Site Infiltration, in Cases Posted for Elective Lower Segment Cesarean Section Under General Anesthesia

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of surgical site infiltration prior to giving incision, with ketamine, fentanyl, and ropivacaine, on perioperative hemodynamic parameters, pain, and any adverse outcomes. Methods The study was carried out on 68 patients divided into four groups of 17 each. After intubation, the study drug was infiltrated subcutaneously at the surgical site, seven min before incision, by the surgeon who was unaware of the injectate. Hemodynamic variables were monitored and recorded during the intraoperative period and postoperative period at one, two, four, six, eight, 12, and 24 hours. The level of sedation was assessed using the Ramsay sedation score (RSS). The fetal outcome was assessed by the APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) score at one, five, and 10 minutes. Results The mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in group A as compared to other groups for most of the postoperative period. Hemodynamic stability was also significantly better with group A as compared to other groups during the perioperative period. The fetal outcome was comparable between the study groups with the APGAR scores similar between the groups at 10 min. However, significantly lower APGAR values were seen in group C as compared to the other study groups, at one and five minutes. Conclusion Ketamine infiltration resulted in a better hemodynamic profile, a significantly longer duration of the postoperative pain-free interval, and more sedation in the postoperative anesthesia care unit (PACU). It did not affect the fetal wellbeing, as discernable from the APGAR scores.