Comparison of ropivacaine and bupivacaine in ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective lower abdominal surgeries - A randomized double-blind trial

Abstract

Background and Aims: Ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominal Plane (TAP) block is an effective and safe regional anaesthesia technique. Our study is aimed to draw a comparison between the analgesic efficacy of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine using ultrasound-guided TAP block.\nMaterials and Methods: After approval from our Institutional Ethical Committee, 100 ASA I and II patients were recruited. Patients of either sex in age group of 18–65 years, undergoing elective lower abdominal surgeries were included in this prospective double-blind study. Patients were randomized into two groups, A and B. Group A (n=50) patients received ultrasound-guided TAP block with 20 ml 0.5% Ropivacaine and those in group B (n =50) received 20 ml 0.25% Bupivacaine at the end of surgery.\nThe postoperative pain score (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS), patient satisfaction score, total requirement of analgesics in the first 24 hours, and the side effects were observed. Statistical tests were conducted using student’s t-test, chi-square test, or fisher’s exact test whichever was applicable. P \nResults: Statistically significant difference in the pain scores were observed between the two groups at different time intervals. The mean NRS score was higher for group B at 2nd, 4th, 6th and 14th hour following the block. The duration of analgesia was longer and the total requirement of analgesic was lesser in group A as compared to group B.(p\nConclusion: Ultrasound-guided TAP block with 0.5% Ropivacaine provides effective analgesia for longer duration and decreases the total analgesic consumption as compared to 0.25% Bupivacaine in lower abdominal surgeries.\n\nKeywords:\xa0Bupivacaine, Ropivacaine, Ultrasound-guided transverse, abdominis plane block.