Comparative Study of The Effects of Three Different Volumes and Concentrations of Levobupivacaine on The Block Characteristics in Upper Limb Surgeries Using Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Block

Backgrounds and objectives: This an attempt to compare the effects of 15ml of levobupivacaine 0.75%, 20 ml of levobupivacaine 0.375% and 30ml of levobupivacaine 0.25% with fixed dosage (75mg) on block characteristics in upper limb surgeries using ultrasound guided supraclavicular block. Materials and methods: Titled "Comparative study of the effects of three different volumes and concentrations of Levobupivacaine on the block characteristics in upper limb surgeries using ultrasound guided supraclavicular block" performed in Department of Anaesthesiology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute from March 2020 to April 2021. Group A - 15mL of Levobupivacaine 0.5% , Group B - 20mL of Levobupivacaine 0.375% Group C - 30mL of Levobupivacaine 0.25% Results: Onset of Sensory block: This study observed that mean onset of sensory block was earlier in 15mL was 22 +/- 5.25 minutes in comparison 20mL was 29 +/- 6.42 minutes and 30mL 37.5 +/- 6.17 minutes which is significant. Onset of Motor block: It was observed that mean onset of motor block was earlier in 15mL was 33 +/- 6.57 minutes when compared to 20mL was 36 +/- 6.87 minutes and 30mL 44 +/- 7.67 minutes which is significant. Duration of Analgesia: This study observed the mean Duration of analgesia was longer in 15mL 19.25 +/- 2.52 hours when compared to 20mL and 30mL Group having 15.5 +/- 1.88 hours and 12 +/- 1.94 hours respectively, which is significant. Diaphragmatic involvement: This study observed that the mean diaphragmatic involvement was longer in 15mL 25.6 +/- 13.291% when compared to 20 mL and 30mL having 33.76 +/- 9.76% and 52.435 +/- 12.6% respectively, which is significant. Conclusion:15mL Levobupivacaine of 75mg has an early onset of Sensory and Motor blockade and Prolonged Duration of Analgesia and lesser diaphragmatic involvement compared to 20mL and 30mL.