Comparative efficacy and safety of 0.5% bupivacaine versus 0.75% ropivacaine along with 2% lignocaine with adrenaline in ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

An essential part of regional anaesthesia for upper limb surgeries is ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block, which allows for localised analgesia with the least number of systemic problems. The best local anaesthetic drug for this procedure is still up for debate, especially when it comes to safety, duration of action, and efficacy. Using a combination of 2% lignocaine and adrenaline, this randomised controlled trial compares the safety and effectiveness of 0.5% bupivacaine and 0.75% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in adult patients undergoing elective upper limb surgeries. Sixty adult ASA I-II patients were randomly assigned to receive either 0.5% bupivacaine (Group B, n = 30) or 0.75% ropivacaine (Group R, n = 30), both of which were administered with 20 millilitres of 2% lignocaine. Researchers who were blinded to group assignments carefully examined the block's features, including the onset and duration of sensory and motor block, time to peak effect, postoperative pain (measured using the VAS at the 6-hour mark), need for rescue analgesia, haemodynamic parameters, and complications. Both local anaesthetics produced prolonged analgesia and efficient anaesthesia. While bupivacaine showed a longer duration of sensory (635 ± 38 min versus 540 ± 42 min, p