Comparison of intrathecal Ropivacaine, Levobupivacaine and Bupivacaine for elective hernioplasty: A prospective randomised controlled trial

Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study until adequate sample size is achieved. They will be randomly divided into Groups R, L, B and they will receive 0.75% hyperbaric Ropivacaine, 0.5% hyperbaric Levobupivacaine and 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine respectively. Code numbers will be written on patients proforma sheet and decoding will be done by the statistician at the end of the study. 3ml of local anesthetic will be given by an anesthetist who is not involved in the study. Data will be recorded by the investigator who is blinded to the drug injected. The onset of sensory blockade is when the patient complains of no pinprick sensation at T10. The highest level of sensory blockade achieved in each group will be noted. Time after injection of intrathecal injection of LA to the injection of first dose of rescue analgesia (Inj. Paracetamol 1gm) will be considered as duration of analgesia. The time of onset of motor blockade will be noted when patient attains bromage 3. The highest level of motor blockade achieved in each group will be noted. Duration of motor blockade is the time from spinal anesthesia till the patient is able to flex at the hip level i.e., bromage 0.