A prospective observational study to compare the effectiveness of bupivacaine versus levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Introduction: Increasing knowledge in regional anaesthesia coupled with newer technologies to locate peripheral nerves has led to a surge in the usage of regional anaesthesia for upper limb surgeries. Newer drugs like levobupivacaine have lesser side effects compared to racemic bupivacaine. The aim was to compare the efficacy of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Material and methods: 60 patients of ASA I-II status in the age group of 18-60years given supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery were included. We used the classical approach to supraclavicular block using a single-injection, nerve-stimulator technique. Patients in group B received bupivacaine while those in group L received levobupivacaine. Onset and duration of sensory and motor block was recorded. Duration of analgesia was considered as the time taken to reach an NRS score of 3. After data collection, data analysis was done with the help of SPSS software Ver 15 and Sigma Plot Ver 12.Quantitative data is presented with the help of Mean & Standard Deviation, comparison between the study groups is done with the help of Unpaired T test. Qualitative data is presented with the help of percentage table, association among study group is assessed with Chi-Square test. P Value<0.05 is considered significant. Result: Levobupivacaine had a faster onset & longer duration of both sensory and motor blockade as compared to racemic bupivacaine. The hemodynamic profile of both drugs was similar and no adverse effect was found with either drug. Conclusion: We conclude that in peripheral nerve blocks where large volumes of local anaesthetic is required, levobupivacaine could be a suitable choice as it is known to have less toxic potential.