Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Bupivacaine 0.5% and Ropivacaine 0.5% in Patients Undergoing Upper Arm Surgeries by Supraclavicular Block Technique Using Nerve Locator

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of Bupivacaine 0.5% and Ropivacaine 0.5% in patients undergoing elective upper arm surgeries by supraclavicular block. Material and methods: It is a double blinded, randomized, clinical study involving 30 patients in each group. Patients received 40 ml of study drugs through supraclavicular route of brachial plexus using nerve locator. Patients were assessed for onset of sensory loss and onset of motor loss in the injected upper arm. The time at which the sensations and movements are regained is noted and duration is calculated. The onset and duration of each group is compared using unpaired T test. Results: There was high statistical significance between Bupivacaine 0.5% and Ropivacaine 0.5% for onset of sensory and motor loss (P value < 0.001). There was a significant statistical difference between Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine groups for duration (in minutes) of sensory and motor loss (P value < 0.001; P value < 0.05, respectively). Patients in either group did not show any significant adverse drug reactions during the duration of study. Conclusion: Bupivacaine 0.5% produced quick onset of sensory and motor loss, whereas, Ropivacaine 0.5% produced longer duration of sensory and motor loss. Both the drugs appeared safe during the study duration.