COMPARISON OF HYPERBARIC LEVOBUPIVACAINE/ BUPIVACAINE FOR CESEREAN SECTION

Background : Bupivacaine is the most popular local anesthetic agent in obstetric practice Levobupivacaine showed a lower risk of cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) toxicity compared to Bupivacaine The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of levobupivacaine compared with hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. Methods: 60 pregnant women in ASA I - II group scheduled to have elective cesarean operation were allocated into the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. 10 mg levobupivacaine (0.5%) for Group L (n = 30) patients, 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) for B (n = 30) patients were intrathecally administrated a total of 2.0cc. Sensory and motor block characteristics of the groups were assessed with pinprick and Bromage scale observed hemodynamic changes and side effects were recorded. Results: The time to reach maximum dermatome for the sensory block, time to regression by two dermatomes and time to regress to T12 dermatome was found to be significantly long in Group B. It was observed that in Group B, the motor block was faster and lasted longer. Where as hypotension, bradycardia and nausea were less in Group L, the need for ephedrine was higher in Group B (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Since motor block time is shorter, and side effects like hypotension, bradycardia and nausea are less, levobupivacaine can be a good alternative in cesarean sections.