RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of intrathecal isobaric ropivacaine (IR) versus isobaric bupivacaine (IB) in a dose ratio of 3:2 in non-ambulatory urologic and orthopedic surgery. METHODS: One hundred and seventeen patients scheduled for surgery were randomized and assigned in a double-blind fashion to receive either 15 mg of IR (n = 58) or 10 mg of IB (n = 59) into the subarachnoid space. RESULTS: There were no differences about age, sex distribution, body mass index, type of surgical interventions and operative time. Both groups were similar respect to latency time and extension of sensory block. Complete motor blockade was reached in more than 90 % of patients of both groups ten minutes after the intrathecal injection and the length was significantly longer in the IB group (226.4 +/- 22.3 minutes versus 266.5 +/- 29.5, p < 0.001). There was no significant hypotension or bradicardia during the transoperative period. Three and a half hours after the end of the surgery, more patients of the IB group required intravenous analgesics and opiaceous derivates (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The motor blockade was longer in the IB group but postoperative analgesia was better in the IR group.