ABSTRACT : : Levobupivacaine has been recently introduced into clinical practice because of its lower toxic effects for heart and central nervous system.The aim of our study was to compare the clinical efficacy of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine for providing surgical anaesthesia when administered intrathecally for infraumbilical surgeries.

METHODS : This RCT was carried out in 100 patients of ASA I & II in age group 18-60 yrs of both sexes, who underwent elective infraumblical surgery under spinal anaesthesia in Lady Hardinge Medical College & associated hospitals. They were randomly allocated into two groups of 50 each. Sub-arachnoid block was performed at L2/L3 or L3/L4 space and 3ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine (group L) or 3ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (group B) was given. Sensory and motor blockades were evaluated by the pinprick test and a modified Bromage score, respectively. Vital parameters, postoperative VAS and rescue analgesia were recorded as well

RESULTS : The duration of sensory block produced with levobupivacaine was significantly shorter compared to bupivacaine, [group B (224.10 ±15.63) minsvs group L (206.22±18.93)mins]. Duration of motor block was significantly shorter with levobupivacaine (185.9420.32mins) as compared to bupivacaine (193.0417.26mins) and duration of effective analgesia was found to be significantly longer with bupivacaine (243.90±13.82)mins as compared to levobupivacaine (238.20±19.08)mins. There was no difference in the incidence of intraoperative bradycardia and hypotension in both the groups.

CONCLUSIONS : To conclude intrathecallevobupivacaine produces an excellent quality of anaesthesia, similar to that produced by bupivacaine. However it produces a shorter duration of sensory and motor blockade as compared with bupivacaine; allowing early recovery & mobilization after surgery