Comparison of intrathecal isobaric ropivacaine vs. isobaric bupivacaine in cesarean sections

We aimed to compare the effects of opioid added isobaric bupivacaine and ropivacaine on maternal hemodynamics, ephedrine use, the quality of anesthesia, characteristics and regressions of the sensory and motor blocks, and postoperative analgesic efficiency in parturients scheduled to undergo cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.Fifty-two ASA I-II women at the 36th gestational week were randomly allocated into 2 groups, to receive either isobaric bupivacaine (Group B), or ropivacaine (Group R). 2 mL of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine (10 mg) in Group B, and 2 mL of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine (15 mg) in Group R was given; both groups were combined with 25 ?g fentanyl plus 100 µg morphin. The total volume of solutions in both groups were 3 mL. Hemodynamic parameters, characteristics of the sensory and motor blocks, the first analgesic requirement, intra- and postoperative complications, and Apgar scores of the newborn were recorded.There were no significant differences in the hemodynamic parameters, ephedrine use, and onset of motor block between the groups, but sensory block regression was longer and total motor block duration was shorter in Group R, than that of Group B (p<0.05). Despite time to achieve sensory block at T6 was significantly slower in Group B, both local anesthetics provided adequate block quality for surgery. No significant differences were found in the intraoperative and postoperative complications between the groups.We concluded that, combination of isobaric ropivacaine with fentanyl and morphine is a suitable choice for cesarean sections in labour units in which early patient discharge is required; as a result of its longer sensory block regression and shorter total motor block duration, increased patient satisfaction after cesarean section, and providing early recognition of possible neurological complications.