A comparative study between isobaric levobupivacaine and isobaric levobupivacaine with fentanyl in patients posted for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries under spinal anaesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal anaesthesia can be intensified by adding low dose opioids along with intrathecal local anesthetics without an effect on sympathetic blockade. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrathecal levobupivacaine plain versus levobupivacaine plus fentanyl in lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Materials and Methods: In a prospective randomized double blind study, 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I and II patients of either sex, 18-55 years of age were enrolled for the study after obtaining Ethical Committee clearance and informed consent. They were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each, Group A- 2.5ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine + 0.5ml Normal saline and Group B-2.5 ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine + 25 ?g fentanyl intrathecally. Sensory and motor block characteristics, haemodynamics and side effects were assessed. Results: The onset of sensory block and time to reach T10 level was rapid in group B (2.10±0.75 and 5.6+1.22 min) in comparison to group A (2.75±0.67 and 7.70+1.46min P Conclusion: Fentanyl added to Levobupivacaine results in early onset and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block with stable haemodynamics. Keywords: Fentanyl, Lower abdominal, Lower Limb, Levobupivacaine, Local anaesthetics, Spinal anaesthesia.