Comparitive study between levobupivacaine versus bubivacaine in spinal anesthesia for cesarean sections

Abstract

Background Levobupivacaine showed a lower risk of cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity than bupivacaine, which is the most popular local anesthetic agent in obstetric practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of levobupivacaine 0.5% compared with bupivacaine 0.5% for spinal anesthesia for cesarean sections. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine 0.5% versus bupivacaine 0.5% in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. Patients and methods A total of 60 pregnant women in American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II group scheduled to have an elective cesarean operation were allocated into the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (30 patients in each group). Group I (bupivacaine group): in this group, patients received 2.5 ml bupivacaine 0.5%. Group II (levobupivacaine group): in this group, patients received 2.5 ml levobupivacaine 0.5%. Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were recorded intraoperatively. The onset time of sensory block and postoperative pain were assessed by visual analogue scale; time of postoperative first rescue of analgesia and duration of motor blockade were assessed by the Bromage score postoperatively. Results There was no significant difference between both groups as regards hemodynamics (heart rate and mean arterial pressure), two-segment regression of sensory block, time of first feeling of pain, total dose of consumption of analgesia, and visual analogue score. There was a significant decrease in the time to reach maximum sensory and motor block in group II compared with group I. Time of two-segment regression of motor block was significantly lower in group II than in group I. Conclusion Adequate surgical anesthesia can be achieved with both levobupivacaine and hyperbaric bupivacaine, as tested by the loss of pinprick sensation in both groups. Levobupivacaine given intrathecally can provide a safe and effective analgesic choice for parturients undergoing elective cesarean section, as the incidence of side effects with its use was significantly lower in comparison with hyperbaric bupivacaine.