European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Epidural analgesia is the most commonly used technique for inducing postoperative analgesia in lower limb surgeries. Higher concentrations of bupivacaine have been found to be greater motor blockade and it can be minimized by using lower concentrations of bupivacaine (0.1% -0.125%).
Aim: To evaluate the block characteristics, hemodynamic response, and post-operative epidural analgesia between 0.125% Bupivacaine versus 0.1% Bupivacaine in patients scheduled for lower limb surgeries.
Material and Method: This observational study included 60 ASA grade 1 and 2 patients posted for lower limb surgeries. In the study, Group 1 received 0.125% bupivacaine + 2 μg/ml fentanyl, and  Group 2 received 0.1% bupivacaine + 2 μg/ml fentanyl.
Result: The onset of sensory blockade was significantly earlier in patients of Group 1 (15.17 ± 1.46 min vs 19.07 ± 1.85min), and the onset of motor blockade was significantly earlier in patients of Group 1 (28.57 ± 1.71 vs 34.5 ±1.73). Duration of analgesia was longer in group 1 when compared to group 2.  
Conclusion:  0.125% bupivacaine with 2 μg/ml was more effective and provided a longer duration of analgesia as compared to 0.1% bupivacaine with 2 μg/ml for lower limb surgeries.