Comparison of the effects of intrathecal ropivacaine, levobupivacaine, and bupivacaine for Caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to detect if intrathecal (i.t.) ropivacaine and levobupivacaine provided anaesthesia (satisfactory analgesia and muscular relaxation) and postoperative analgesia of similar quality to bupivacaine in patients undergoing Caesarean section.

METHODS: Ninety parturients were enrolled. A combined spinal-epidural technique was used. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the following isobaric i.t. solutions: bupivacaine 8 mg (n=30), levobupivacaine 8 mg (n=30), or ropivacaine 12 mg (n=30), all combined with sufentanil 2.5 microg. An i.t. solution was considered effective if an upper sensory level to pinprick of T4 or above was achieved and if intraoperative epidural supplementation was not required. Sensory changes and motor changes were recorded.

RESULTS: Anaesthesia was effective in 97, 80, and 87% of patients in the bupivacaine 8 mg, levobupivacaine 8 mg, and ropivacaine 12 mg groups, respectively. Bupivacaine 8 mg was associated with a significantly superior success rate to that observed in the levobupivacaine group (P<0.05). It also provided a longer duration of analgesia and motor block (P<0.05 vs levobupivacaine and ropivacaine).

CONCLUSIONS: The racemic mixture of bupivacaine combined with sufentanil remains an appropriate choice when performing Caesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia.