ABSTRACT : The analgesic efficacy of the intrathecal injection of Ropivacaine and Levobupivacaine combined with fentanyl in labour analgesia to be determined.

METHODS : Twenty parturients in early active labour were assigned into two groups R & L. Group R received 3mg of intrathecal 0.5% isobaric ropivacaine with 25 micrograms fentanyl and group L received 3 mg of intrathecal 0.5% isobaric Levobupivacaine with 25microgram fentanyl as a part of CSE technique . Parameters observed are pain scores, duration of analgesia, level of sensory and motor block scores 30 minutes after injection were compared between the groups.

RESULTS :Intrathecal ropivacaine offered shorter analgesia, lower sensory height and lower incidence of complete analgesia compared with levobupivacaine. Motor weakness was comparable in both groups except significantly weak perineal squeezing which was noticed in Group L

CONCLUSIONS :IntrathecalLevobupivacaine with fentanyl as a part of CSE technique provides more effective analgesia compared to Ropivacaine with fentanyl group. Statistical data to be presented on the day of presentation.