A randomised control trial comparing intrathecal ropivacaine, levobupivacaine and bupivacaine for caesarean section

Aim of the study was to evaluate the spinal block characteristic of isobaric 0.5% levobupivacaine, isobaric 0.75% ropivacaine and its comparison with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine for elective caesarean section.  100 term pregnant women with singleton pregnancy scheduled for elective caesarean section will be enrolled in this prospective double blind randomised trial. Written informed consent  will be  taken from all patients.   Subarachnoid block will be given  for caesarean section with 25 g spinal needle in L3-L4 with patients in left lateral position After confirming free flow of CSF, 2ml of test drug will be injected intrathecally.

Group B = 2 ml of  0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine

Group R = 2 ml  or 0.75 % isobaric ropivacaine

Group LB = 2 ml of 0.5 % isobaric levobupicaine

The following variables will be measured during intraoperatively:  Sensory block and block onset times: modified bromage scale, Maximum sensory and motor block level achieved,   Maternal Hemodynamic parameters ( 5 min interval),  Neonatal Apgar Scores ( 1 and 5 mins), Quality of Anaesthesia  (at the end of surgery), Quality of muscle relaxation, Sensory and motor block regression times,  First analgesic request time, Side effects if any.  Patients will be followed up on post-operative days 1 and 3  for any headache, backache, tingling or numbness in lower limbs.