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Comparative Study | Anaesthesiology | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 836 - 840 | India
Comparative Evaluation of Spinal Anaesthesia Characteristics of Hyperbaric Levobupivacaine versus Hyperbaric Ropivacaine in Adult Patients Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Spinal anaesthesia is widely preferred for lower abdominal surgeries including inguinal hernia repair, offering multiple clinical advantages over general anaesthesia. Levobupivacaine and ropivacaine, both relatively newer local anaesthetic agents, possess favourable safety profiles with reduced cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects compared to conventional bupivacaine. This study was designed to systematically compare the spinal anaesthesia characteristics of hyperbaric levobupivacaine (0.5%) with hyperbaric ropivacaine (0.75%) in adult patients scheduled for inguinal hernia repair. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in South Gujarat, India, following institutional ethical committee approval. Seventy adult male patients of ASA physical status I, II, and III, aged 18-60 years, undergoing inguinal hernia surgery under spinal anaesthesia were enrolled and divided into two groups: Group L (n=35) receiving hyperbaric levobupivacaine (0.5%, 3.5 mL) and Group R (n=35) receiving hyperbaric ropivacaine (0.75%, 3.5 mL). Sensory block was assessed using the pin-prick method, and motor block was evaluated with the Modified Bromage Scale. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored throughout the perioperative period. Results: Both agents produced comparable onset of sensory block at T10 (Group L: 4.6±1 min; Group R: 4.3±1.7 min; p=0.354) and similar highest sensory levels. However, levobupivacaine provided significantly longer duration of sensory block (266.3±24.1 min vs. 170.6±19.7 min; p<0.001), motor block (238.8±19.6 min vs. 151.4±14.3 min; p<0.001), and analgesia (202.47±19.35 min vs. 164.14±32.25 min; p<0.001). Time to unassisted mobilisation and micturition were also significantly prolonged in Group L. Hemodynamic parameters were comparable between groups with no significant intergroup differences. Conclusion: Hyperbaric levobupivacaine provides longer duration of sensory, motor block, and analgesia, making it suitable for prolonged surgical procedures. Hyperbaric ropivacaine, with its shorter block duration and early motor recovery, is a more appropriate choice for ambulatory and day-care surgeries.
Keywords: Spinal anaesthesia, Levobupivacaine, Ropivacaine, Inguinal hernia, Modified Bromage Scale, Sensory block, Motor block
How to Cite?: Dr. Rakesh Jalandhara, Dr. Neelam Parmar, Dr. Shivani Makhecha, "Comparative Evaluation of Spinal Anaesthesia Characteristics of Hyperbaric Levobupivacaine versus Hyperbaric Ropivacaine in Adult Patients Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 836-840, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26615130004, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26615130004