Abstract: AIM: To compare the efficacy and security of epidural ropivacaine mesylate clinically with ropivacaine hydrochloride in a randomized double-blind multicenter study.METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four elective patients from three centres, undergoing lower epidural anesthesia for intraperitoneal hysterectomy, partial cystectomy and so on, were randomly assigned to two equal groups received 15 ml of either 0.75 % ropivacaine hydrochloride or 0.894 % ropivacaine mesylate.RESULTS: There were no significant differences found in the onset, extent, and duration of sensory and motor block, and also in the hemodynamic stability.When ropivacaine mesylate was clinically compared with ropivacaine hydrochloride.No serious adverse events were found in this study.CONCLUSION: Epidural ropivacaine mesylate is similar to ropivacaine hydrochloride in both efficacy and safety.

Key words: anesthesia, epidural, local anesthetic, ropivacaine mesylate, ropivacaine hydrochloride