An observational & comparative study was designed to compare the efficacy, safety of RopivacaineFentanyl versus Bupivacaine-Fentanyl intra-thecally for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries not
exceeding 2 hours. 70 patients of either gender with ASA I & II aged between 18 to 55 years were randomized into two groups, n = 35 each. Group R received 3 ml of (0.75%) Ropivacaine+ Fentanyl 25 μg (0.5 ml) and Group B received 3 ml of (0.5%) Bupivacaine+ Fentanyl 25 μg (0.5 ml). Spinal anesthesia procedure was standardized. Hemodynamic parameters, onset and duration of sensory & motor blockade, level achieved, duration of analgesia, regression and side effects were checked. Onset and Regression of sensory blockade in ropivacaine group was faster with a P <0.001 which was statistically significant. Onset of motor blockade was rapid in both the groups, but duration of motor blockade was significantly shorter in ropivacaine group. Ropivacaine group were recorded with excellent analgesia and stable hemodynamics with no side effects. From the present study we concluded that with addition of fentanyl to local anesthetics there is prolongation of analgesic effect. The hemodynamic parameters and SpO2 are comparable in both the groups. Postoperative analgesic consumption is less in both groups. When bupivacaine-fentanyl combination was introduced intrathecally, they produced a significantly longer duration of analgesia. Their sensory block and motor block were
also longer than ropivacaine-fentanyl combination. Shorter duration of motor block with ropivacaine allows for early ambulation, voiding and physiotherapy, therefore it is preferred in day care surgeries.