A comparison of epidural 1% ropivacaine and 0.75% bupivacaine for lower abdominal gynecologic surgery.

Abstract

A randomized double-blind study was performed to compare ropivacaine and bupivacaine in epidural anesthesia for intraperitoneal surgery. Forty-four patients undergoing epidural anesthesia for intraperitoneal lower abdominal gynecologic surgery received 20 mL of either 1% ropivacaine or 0.75% bupivacaine via an epidural catheter. There was no difference between the two drugs in the onset, extent, and duration of sensory and motor block. Satisfactory conditions for surgery were produced in the same number of patients in each group. The cardiovascular changes and the overall incidence of adverse reactions were similar for both drugs. It is concluded that ropivacaine is an effective and safe alternative to bupivacaine when used in epidural anesthesia for lower abdominal, intraperitoneal surgery.