Comparison of Post-operative analgesia with Bupivacaine versus Ropivacaine for Caudal block in pediatric patients

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the post-operative pain relief with Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine for caudal block in children in terms of mean duration of analgesia.

Study design: Prospective comparative study.

Place and duration: Department of Anesthesia, Combined Military Hospital Rawlakot from July 2021 till June 2022.

Methodology: A total of 100 patients undergoing infra-umbilical Surgery as circumcision, herniotomy, orchidopexy and of age 1 to 10 years were included. After induction of general anesthesia, caudal block was given. Group B patients were given 1 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine whereas group R patients were given 1 ml/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine. Modified Hnnallah Pain Score was used to observe the post-operative analgesic effects of the block. Score was noted every 30 minutes. Pain free duration was considered from time of caudal block till the modified Hannallah pain score of 4 or more. Injectable paracetamol 10 mg/kg was given as rescue analgesia as required.

Results: Demographic data was comparable in both groups with no statistical significance. In our study, we have found duration of analgesia as 219.78 ± 35.42 minutes in the bupivacaine group compared with 198.24 ± 34.5 minutes in patients with ropivacaine group with p-value of 0.54 which is statistically significant.

Conclusion: In this study, we concluded that the ropivacaine is as effective as bupivacaine in terms of post-operative pain relief for caudal block in children.