A Comparative Study of 0.5% Bupivacaine vs 0.75% Ropivacaine for Analgesic Efficacy under Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Dr. Subrat Kumar Mishra, Dr. Bibekananda Tripathy

Abstract: Background: The supraclavicular brachial plexus block is a widely used regional anaesthesia technique for upper limb surgeries, offering superior perioperative analgesia and minimizing systemic anaesthetic exposure. Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine are long-acting local anaesthetics commonly used in this technique, with Ropivacaine gaining interest for its improved safety profile. Objective: To compare the onset, duration, and quality of analgesia between 0.5% Bupivacaine and 0.75% Ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block using a peripheral nerve stimulator. Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study involved 100 ASA grade I?II patients undergoing elective upper limb surgery. Participants were allocated into two equal groups: Group B (0.5% Bupivacaine, 30 mL) and Group R (0.75% Ropivacaine, 30 mL). Blocks were administered using the nerve stimulator-guided supraclavicular approach. The primary outcomes assessed were onset and duration of sensory and motor block, and total duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes included haemodynamic stability and adverse events. Results: Ropivacaine demonstrated a faster onset of sensory and motor block with a shorter duration of motor blockade, while providing comparable analgesic efficacy to Bupivacaine. Both agents maintained stable haemodynamic parameters. No significant adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Ropivacaine 0.75% is a clinically effective and safer alternative to 0.5% Bupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block, offering comparable analgesia with faster recovery of motor function, making it particularly suitable for ambulatory surgeries.

Keywords: Bupivacaine, Ropivacaine, supraclavicular block, brachial plexus, regional anaesthesia, analgesic efficacy, nerve stimulator

How to Cite?: Dr. Subrat Kumar Mishra, Dr. Bibekananda Tripathy, "A Comparative Study of 0.5% Bupivacaine vs 0.75% Ropivacaine for Analgesic Efficacy under Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block", Volume 14 Issue 5, May 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1199-1202, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25517111505, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25517111505