Intrathecal ropivacaine in cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the optimum dose of ropivacaine by comparing three different dosing regimens of isobaric ropivacaine 1% (naropin 10 mg/ml, Astra Zeneca) administered intrathecally and to demonstrate the effects of anesthesia in pregnant women scheduled for cesarean section. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty ASA grade I-II patients were scheduled to undergo elective cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia. The patients were randomly assigned into three groups. Group 1 received 15 mg ropivacaine 1%, Group 2 received 20 mg ropivacaine 1%, and Group 3 received 25 mg ropivacaine 1%. RESULTS: Intraoperative hemodynamic variables were not significantly different between the three groups, and sensory block time, motor block time and time to reach maximal sensory block time, and motor block time were similar between the three groups. The time to two-segment regression of sensory block was longer in Group 3 compared to other groups, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The motor block time was longer with higher doses of ropivacaine; however, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine administration produced rapid induction of anesthesia and satisfactory anesthesia level, ropivacaine 15 mg and 20 mg dosing regimens are satisfactory for spinal anesthesia.