Abstract
Background Ultrasound-guided (USG) suprainguinal fascia iliaca (SIFI) block is being used widely for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing hip and femur surgeries. However, the optimal volume of local anesthetic required for SIFI block is not well defined. Thus, we compared different volumes of 0.2% ropivacaine in SIFI for post-operative pain relief in lower limb surgeries. Material and methods A total of 90 patients undergoing hip and femur surgeries were randomly allocated into three groups: A, B, and C, who received USG SIFI block with 20 mL, 30 mL, and 40 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine, respectively. Intravenous tramadol was used as rescue analgesia when the numeric rating scale (NRS) score exceeded 3. Time to first request of rescue analgesic was the primary outcome. NRS scores in the first 24 hours post-operatively, total amount of tramadol consumption in 24 hours, and patient satisfaction with pain management were secondary outcomes. Results The time to first request to rescue analgesic was significantly longer in group B and group C as compared to group A. NRS scores were significantly reduced in group B and group C than group A in the 24-hour post-operative period. Median 24-hour tramadol consumption was significantly less in group C as compared to group A and group B. Patient satisfaction with pain management was better with group B and group C as compared to group A. Conclusion In comparison to 20 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine, 30 mL and 40 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine in SIFI compartment block are more efficacious in reducing post-operative pain after hip and lower limb surgeries.