A Comparative Study of Epidural Ropivacaine with Fentanyl versus Bupivacaine with Fentanyl for Postoperative Analgesia in Elective Lower Abdominal and Lower Limb Surgeries

Abstract

Background: Effective postoperative pain management is essential for recovery after lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Epidural analgesia, using local anesthetics combined with opioids, provides continuous pain relief. This study compares ropivacaine with fentanyl versus bupivacaine with fentanyl for postoperative epidural analgesia in patients undergoing elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries.

Methods: Sixty patients were randomized into two groups: Group RF (ropivacaine 0.2% with fentanyl) and Group BF (bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl). The quality and duration of analgesia, hemodynamic stability, and incidence of side effects were compared.
Results: Both groups provided effective analgesia, with Group BF showing slightly lower pain scores. Hemodynamic parameters were stable in both groups, with minimal side effects.