Meta-Analysis of Epidural Analgesia Efficacy and Safety of Levobupivacaine and Ropivacaine After Cesarean in China

Objective:To evaluate the epidural analgesia efficacy and safety of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine after cesarean.Methods:We searched six databases.Meta-analysis was used to evaluate the data extracted from 1990 to 2011published papers in China on the epidural analgesia efficacy and safety of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine after cesarean.Results:Eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria.The analysis of all eight RCTs showed there was no difference of postoperative analgesia effect between the levobupivacaine and ropivacaine groups(P=0.13).Compared with levobupivacaine group,ropivacaine group showed weaker lower limb motion block(P0.001)and less complications(P=0.001).Conclusion:Based on existing evidence,there was similar postoperative analgesia effect by levobupivacaine and ropivacaine,but ropivacaine administration had weaker lower limb motion block and less complications as compared with levobupivacaine.