“A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF 0.2% ROPIVACAINE VERSUS 0.2% ROPIVACAINE PLUS TRAMADOL FOR EPIDURAL POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA FOR ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERIES”

Background And Objective: Postoperative analgesia can be achieved by various modalities. Out of which epidural analgesia offers a good reliable pain relief. Addition of opioids enhances the onset of analgesia and prolongs the duration. This study aims in comparative evaluation of 0.2% ropivacaine versus 0.2% ropivacaine plus tramadol for postoperative analgesia. Methods: 60 patients of age 18-70 years with ASA grade I & II, undergoing elective lower limb surgeries under epidural anaesthesia were randomly taken into each of the 2 groups. For post operative pain management 0.2% ropivacaine 10ml in group R and 0.2% ropivacaine 9ml plus tramadol 1 ml (50mg) total of 10ml in group RT. Patients were monitored for onset, duration and quality of analgesia, hemodynamic stability and for any side effects. Results: The groups were similar with respect to age, sex, ASA, HR, SBP, DBP and Spo2. VAS after top up signicantly lower in the group N (p<0.001). Anti-emetic therapy use was signicantly lower in the group R (p<0.001). Rescue analgesic use was signicantly lower in the group RT (p<0.001). Mean time interval between top ups was signicantly higher in group R (p<0.001). Duration of analgesia is signicantly higher in Group RT (p<0.001). Conclusion: Addition of tramadol to 0.2 % Ropivacaine in epidural route for post operative pain managementprovidesbetter pain relief and patient satisfaction than 0.2 % Ropivacaine alone.