Comparative study between isobaric levobupivacaine and isobaric chlorprocaine in patients undergoing ambulatory surgeries under spinal anesthesia

Abstract

Background: With development of safer local anesthetic agents and advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques, the performance of day care surgeries are increasing in prevalence. Many local anesthetic drugs with varying concentrations and physical properties are used in spinal anesthesia to achieve early recovery, mobilization with minimal adverse effects. In the present study we are comparing the efficacy of Isobaric 0.5% Levobupivacaine with isobaric 1% 2-chlorprocaine in patients undergoing ambulatory surgeries under spinal anesthesia. Material and Methods: Sixty patients aged 18 to 60 years belonging to ASA physical status I-II, scheduled for various elective ambulatory surgeries under spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups. Group A patients received 3ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine and Group B received 4ml of 1% chlorprocaine. The time of onset, duration of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic changes and adverse effects were studied. Results: The time of onset of sensory block and motor block was significantly shorter (p<0.001) in Group B compared to Group A. Similarly, the duration of sensory and motor block in Group B was shorter (p<0.001). Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters including heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Intrathecal isobaric 1% 2- chloroprocaine has a shorter onset and duration of both Sensory and motor blockade compared to Isobaric 0.5% Levobupivacaine thereby, enabling early recovery and ambulation