Comparison of the Efficacy of Intrathecal Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine in Artroscopic Knee Surgery

Abstract

Objective: In our study, we aimed to compare the degree of sensorial and motor block efficiency of intratechal bupivacaine and levobupivacaine in artroscopic knee surgery.

Materials and methods: ASA I-III 100 patients, were divided in two groups. Spinal anesthesia was achieved with 10 mg of bupivacaine 0.5% in Group BPV and 10 mg of levobupivacaine 0.5% in Group LVB. Sensorial block increment time of T10, maximum level of sensorial block, maximum level of motor block and its formation time, total motor and sensorial block time, pain degree with VAS, complications and side effects were recorded.

Results: The sensorial block incerement time of T10 was shorter in group BPV, the time of sensorial block was longer. Group LVB increment time of T10, increment time of maximum upper dermatome and the increment time of maximum motor block levels were higher in Group BPV than the Group LVB (p<0.01). Sensorial increment time, level of motor block was longer in group BPV then group LVB (p<0.01). Motor block time of Group BPV was longer then group LVB (p<0.01). Group LVB's VAS score during the initial operation was higher than Group BPV (p<0.01). Hypotension probability was higher in Group LVB than Group BPV (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Sensorial and motor block existence was happened in a short time with a longer continuation by bupivakanin instead of levobupivacaine. Because of the longer motor block existence of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine might be preferred in case of the motor block demands during the operation but in case of short-time operations like artroscopic knee surgery, levobupivacain should be more suitable because of the early cover of motor block.