Comparative study of isobaric levobupivacaine and hyperbaric bupivacaine for subarachnoid block in elective cesarean sections

Abstract

Background & Objective: Hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% with fentanyl is often used for spinal anesthesia in lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Its cardiotoxicity, extended sensory block and high sympathetic blocks in parturients can be disadvantageous. Levobupivacaine, an s-enantiomer of racemic bupivacaine is truly isobaric with CSF. It should be able to produce adequate sensory block with less hemodynamic changes and less cardiovascular toxicity. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of intrathecal 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine compared to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with fentanyl 25 µg for elective LSCS.