Comparative Study of 0.5% Bupivacaine versus 0.5% Ropivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is a widely utilized regional anesthesia technique for upper limb surgeries. This study compared the efficacy and safety of 0.5% bupivacaine versus 0.5% ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Methods: This prospective, observational study enrolled 42 patients scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries over six months. Patients were allocated using consecutive sampling: Group B (n=21) received 0.5% bupivacaine, and Group R (n=21) received 0.5% ropivacaine. Primary outcomes included onset times and duration of sensory and motor blockade. Secondary outcomes included hemodynamic parameters, time to first rescue analgesia, and complications.

Results: Demographic characteristics were comparable between groups. Group R demonstrated significantly faster sensory block onset (16.7±1.1 vs 17.58±1.14 minutes, p=0.014), while Group B showed faster motor block onset (21±1.06 vs 22.28±1.16 minutes, p=0.006). Duration of sensory block was significantly longer in Group R (9.23±1.10 vs 7.42±1.04 hours, p<0.001), whereas motor block duration was longer in Group B (9.76±1.19 vs 8.90±1.064 hours, p=0.0179). Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group R (11.3±0.72 vs 10.7±0.76 hours, p=0.013). Hemodynamic parameters remained stable with no significant differences between groups. No major complications occurred in either group.

Conclusion: Both agents provide effective regional anesthesia with excellent safety profiles. However, ropivacaine demonstrates superior clinical characteristics including faster sensory onset, longer sensory duration, and prolonged analgesia with reduced motor blockade, making it the preferred choice for supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks.