Postoperative oxygenation assessed by SpO2/FiO2 ratio and respiratory complications after reversal of neuromuscular block with Sugammadex or neostigmine: A retrospective cohort study

Study objectiveResidual neuromuscular block may lead to postoperative muscle weakness, inadequate oxygenation, and other pulmonary complications. Sugammadex may provide more rapid and effective restoration of neuromuscular function than neostigmine. We therefore tested the primary hypothesis that noncardiac surgical patients given sugammadex oxygenate better during initial recovery than those given neostigmine. Secondarily, we tested the hypothesis that patients given sugammadex have fewer pulmonary complications during hospitalization.DesignRetrospective cohort analysis.SettingPostoperative recovery area of a tertiary care hospital.PatientsAdults who had non-cardiothoracic surgery and were given either neostigmine or sugammadex.InterventionsNone.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the lowest SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio in the post-anesthesia care unit. The secondary outcome was a composite of pulmonary complications.Main resultsAmong 71,457 cases, 10,708 (15%) were given sugammadex and 60,749 (85%) received neostigmine. After propensity weighting, the mean minimum SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio was 301 ± 77 (SD) in patients given sugammadex and 303 ± 71 in those given neostigmine, yielding an estimated difference in means of −3.5 (95% confidence interval: −5.3, −1.7; P = 0.0002). 4.4% of patients given sugammadex and 3.6% of patients given neostigmine had postoperative pulmonary complications (P = 0.0005, number-needed-to-be-exposed =136; 95% CI: 83, 330), with the main contributing components being new bronchospasm or exacerbation of obstructive pulmonary disease.ConclusionsPostoperative minimum SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio during PACU admission was similar after reversal of neuromuscular block by sugammadex and neostigmine. Reversal with sugammadex was associated with more pulmonary complications, but most were minor and of little consequence.     

Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis following ultrasound-guided anterior vs. posterior suprascapular nerve block: a double-blind,randomised control trial

Interscalene brachial plexus block provides analgesia for shoulder surgery but is associated with hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. Before considering a combined suprascapular and axillary nerve block as an alternative to interscalene brachial plexus block, evaluation of the incidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction according to the approach to the suprascapular nerve is necessary. We randomly allocated 84 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery to an anterior or a posterior approach to the suprascapular nerve block combined with an axillary nerve block using 10 ml ropivacaine 0.375% for each nerve. The primary outcome was the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis diagnosed by ultrasound. Secondary outcomes included: characterisation of the hemidiaphragmatic paralysis over time; numeric rating scale pain scores; oral morphine equivalent consumption; and patient satisfaction. The incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis was 40% (n = 17) vs. 2% (n = 1) in the anterior and posterior groups, respectively (p < 0.001). In one third of patients with hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, it persisted beyond the eighth hour. The median (interquartile range [range]) oral morphine equivalent consumption was significantly higher in the posterior approach when compared with the anterior approach, whether in the recovery area (20 [5–31 (0–60)] mg vs. 7.5 [0–14 (0–52)] mg, respectively; p = 0.004) or during the first 24 h (82 [61–127 (12–360) mg] vs. 58 [30–86 (0–160)] mg, respectively; p = 0.01). Patient satisfaction was comparable between groups (p = 0.6). Compared with the anterior approach, diaphragmatic function is best preserved with the posterior needle approach to the suprascapular nerve block.     

A randomised trial of bilateral erector spinae plane block vs. no block for thoracolumbar decompressive spinal surgery

Major spinal surgery causes significant postoperative pain. We tested the efficacy and safety of bilateral erector spinae block on quality of recovery and pain after thoracolumbar decompression. We randomly allocated 60 adults to standard care or erector spinae block. Erector spinae block improved the mean (SD) quality of recovery-15 score at 24 postoperative hours, from 119 (20) to 132 (14), an increase (95%CI) of 13 (4–22), p = 0.0044. Median (IQR [range]) comprehensive complication index was 1 (0–3 [0–5]) in the control group vs. 1 (0–1 [0–4]) after block, p = 0.4. Erector spinae block reduced mean (SD) area under the curve pain during the first 24 postoperative hours: at rest, from 78 (49) to 50 (39), p = 0.018; and on sitting, from 125 (51) to 91 (50), p = 0.009. The cumulative mean (SD) oxycodone consumption to 24 h was 27 (18) mg in the control group and 19 (26) mg after block, p = 0.20. In conclusion, erector spinae block improved recovery and reduced pain for 24 h after thoracolumbar decompression surgery.     

Comparison of reversal with neostigmine of low‐dose rocuronium vs. reversal with sugammadex of high‐dose rocuronium for a short procedure

Some short procedures require deep neuromuscular blockade, which needs to be reversed at the end of the procedure. Forty‐four patients undergoing elective laryngeal micro‐surgery were randomly allocated into two groups: rocuronium 0.45 mg.kg^?1 with neostigmine (50 μg.kg^?1 with glycopyrrolate 10 μg.kg^?1) reversal (moderate block group) vs. rocuronium 0.90 mg.kg^?1 with sugammadex (4 mg.kg^?1) reversal (deep block group). The primary outcome was the intubating conditions during laryngoscopy secondary outcomes included recovery of neuromuscular block; conditions for tracheal intubation; satisfaction score as determined by the surgeon; onset of neuromuscular block; and postoperative sore throat. The onset of neuromuscular block was more rapid, and intubation conditions and ease of intra‐operative laryngoscopy were more favourable, and the satisfaction score was lower in the moderate block group compared with the deep block group. No difference was found in the incidence of postoperative sore throat. In laryngeal micro‐surgery, the use of rocuronium 0.9 mg.kg^?1 with sugammadex for reversal was associated with better surgical conditions and a shorter recovery time than rocuronium 0.45 mg.kg^?1 with neostigmine.     

Emergency surgery comparison of right versus left acute colonic diverticulitis: A 10-year outcome analysis

IntroductionThe difference in outcome between right (RCD) and left colonic diverticulitis (LCD) is not well established. The aim of this study was to analyse the presentation and surgical outcome of RCD versus left-sided disease following emergency surgery.MethodWe conducted a retrospective review of patients presenting with acute diverticulitis over a 10-year period from 2004 to 2014 to a tertiary unit. Patient demographics, Hinchey classification, need for emergency surgery, perioperative outcome and recurrence were evaluated.ResultsIn total 360 patients presented with acute diverticulitis, 218 (61%) were right-sided and 142 (39%) were left-sided. The mean age (57 yrs vs 68 yrs) and median length of stay (4 days vs 5 days) were significantly less in RCD (p < 0.001). The need for emergency surgery was similar between RCD and LCD (30.7% vs 23.2%, p = 0.12). Sixty-seven (31%) patients with RCD required emergency surgery, 42 (62.7%) of these were based on a presumptive diagnosis of appendicitis and underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy only. Operative morbidity (10.4% vs 51.5%, p < 0.001) and mortality were significantly higher in LCD (1.5% v 15.2%, p = 0.007). Subgroup analysis of non-appendicectomy, RCD patients, showed LCD were more likely to require surgery (11.5% vs 23.2%, p = 0.003). There was no difference in recurrence (p = 0.6).ConclusionRight colonic diverticulitis patients are younger and disease course is more benign compared to LCD. Presentation can be confused with appendicitis without proper imaging. In the rare cases where emergency surgery is required, RCD is associated with a lower operative morbidity and mortality compared to left-sided disease.     

Sugammadex given for rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in infants: a retrospectıve study

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of sugammadex in reversing profound neuromuscular block induced by rocuronium in infant patients.DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.PatientsTwenty-six infants (2-12 months of age; 3-11 kg) with an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification I, II, or III who were scheduled to undergo neurosurgical procedures were included in the study.InterventionsAnesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg thiopental, 1 μg/kg fentanyl and 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium. Sevoflurane was administered to all patients after intubation.MethodsThe neuromuscular block was monitored with acceleromyography using train-of-four (TOF) stimuli. Patients received additional doses of rocuronium to maintain a deep block during surgery. If profound neuromuscular block (TOF, 0) persisted at the end of the surgery, 3 mg /kg sugammadex was administered.MeasurementsThe demographic data, surgeries, and anesthetic agents were recorded. The time from sugammadex administration to recovery of neuromuscular function (TOF ratio, >0.9) and complications during and after extubation were also recorded.Main resultsTwenty-six infants who had a deep neuromuscular block (TOF, 0) at the end of surgery received 3 mg/kg sugammadex. The mean recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio of 0.9 was 112 seconds. No clinical evidence of recurarization or residual curarization was observed.ConclusionsThe efficacy and safety of sugammadex were confirmed in infant surgical patients for reversal of deep neuromuscular block induced by rocuronium.     

A systematic review of sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular blockade

We reviewed systematically sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversing neuromuscular blockade. We included 17 randomised controlled trials with 1553 participants. Sugammadex reduced all signs of residual postoperative paralysis, relative risk (95% CI) 0.46 (0.29–0.71), p = 0.0004 and minor respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.51 (0.32–0.80), p = 0.0034. There was no difference in critical respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.13 (0.02–1.06), p = 0.06. Sugammadex reduced drug‐related side‐effects, relative risk (95% CI) 0.72 (0.54–0.95), p = 0.02. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative nausea or the rate of postoperative vomiting, relative risk (95% CI) 0.94 (0.79–1.13), p = 0.53, and 0.87 (0.65–1.17), p = 0.36 respectively.     

Dose-ranging effect of systemic diphenhydramine on postoperative quality of recovery after ambulatory laparoscopic surgery: a randomized,placebo-controlled,double-blinded,clinical trial

Study objectiveDiphenhydramine is an antihistamine with previously demonstrated analgesic and antiemetic properties. However, it is unknown if the beneficial perioperative properties of diphenhydramine can translate to a better quality of postsurgical recovery. The main objective of the current investigation was to investigate dose-ranging effects of diphenhydramine on quality of recovery after surgery.SettingTertiary hospital in the United States.DesignA prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.InterventionSaline, diphenhydramine 25 >mg, or diphenhydramine 50 mg given intravenously before induction.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was global Quality of Recovery–40 at 24 hours. Postoperative pain, nausea, opioid consumption, and discharge time were also evaluated.Main resultsNinety subjects were randomized, and 75 completed the study. The median (interquartile range) Quality of Recovery–40 scores were not different among study groups: 164 (151-189), 169 (159-181), and 172 (157-185) for the saline, 25-mg diphenhydramine, and 50-mg diphenhydramine groups, respectively (P = .74). Postoperative nausea was decreased in the 50-mg group, 3 of 24 (12.5%), compared with the saline group, 12 of 27 (44%), P = .01. There was an inverse linear association between postoperative opioid consumption and quality of recovery (R² = 0.37, P < .001).ConclusionsDiphenhydramine does not provide dose-ranging improvements on postoperative quality of recovery after ambulatory laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Our results support a recent concept that not all postoperative nausea and vomiting symptoms are clinically important. Future studies evaluating postoperative nausea and vomiting should include patient-centered outcomes to validate the clinical importance of the examined interventions.     

Risk factors for clostridium difficile infection in general surgery patients

BackgroundClostridium Difficile Infection (CDI) is a significant cause of mortality. This study aims to identify predictors of CDI in general surgery patients.MethodsPatients who underwent general surgery operations in the 2019 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were identified with demographic, intervention, and outcome data abstracted. Patients with CDI and no CDI were compared by univariate analysis. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) was performed to determine independent predictors of CDI.ResultsOf 436,831 surgical patients, 1,840 patients were diagnosed with CDI (0.4%). Patients with CDI have a higher mortality (2.1% vs 0.76%,p < 0.0001), longer length of stay (7 days vs 1 day, p < 0.0001), and are less likely to undergo a laparoscopic procedure (29.9% vs 37.5%, p < 0.0001). MLR identified older age, emergent operation, increased time to operation, surgical site infection, deep organ space infection, steroid use, metastatic cancer, smoking, and decreased body mass index (BMI) as independent predictors of CDI.ConclusionsCDI is rare following general surgery. Infections, delay to operation, and emergency operations are associated with CDI.     

A randomised controlled trial of the pectoral nerves-2 (PECS-2) block for radical mastectomy

We randomly allocated 50 women scheduled for radical mastectomy to pectoral nerves-2 (PECS-2) block (n = 25) or no block (n = 25), 20 and 22 of whom we analysed for the primary outcome of a cumulative 24-h postoperative morphine dose. We gave intra-operative sufentanil, magnesium, dexamethasone and droperidol. Participants received regular postoperative paracetamol, ibuprofen and patient-controlled intravenous morphine. Pectoral nerves-2 block reduced mean (SD) cumulative 24 h postoperative morphine dose from 9.7 (8.9) mg to 5.0 (5.4) mg and 48 h morphine dose from 12.8 (12.5) mg to 6.0 (6.5) mg, p = 0.04 for both. The mean (SD) pain scores 24 h and 48 h after surgery were similar with or without block: 0.8 (1.4) vs. 1.2 (1.9), p = 0.39; and 0.2 (0.4) vs. 0.9 (1.8), p = 0.09, respectively. Rates of postoperative nausea, vomiting and pruritus were unaffected. Rates of chronic pain at six postoperative months were 2/19 and 2/18 after block and no block, respectively, p = 0.95.     

Goal-directed fluid therapy guided by Plethysmographic Variability Index (PVI) versus conventional liberal fluid administration in children during elective abdominal surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPVI has been shown to be an accurate predictor of fluid responsiveness in paediatric patients. Evidence regarding the role of PVI to guide intraoperative fluid therapy in paediatric abdominal surgery is lacking. We aimed to assess the effect of PVI-guided fluid therapy on the volume of intraoperative fluids administered and post-operative biochemical and recovery profile in children undergoing elective abdominal surgery.Methods42 children, 6 months-3 years scheduled for elective open bowel surgery were randomised to receive either ‘conventional liberal intraoperative fluids’ (liberal group) or ‘goal-directed intraoperative fluids’ (GDT group). PVI <13 was targeted in the GDT group. The primary outcome was the volume of intraoperative fluids administered. Postoperative serum lactate, base excess, hematocrit, recovery of bowel function and duration of postoperative hospital stay were the secondary outcomes.ResultsThe mean fluid administered intra-operatively was significantly lower in the GDT group as compared to the liberal group (24.1 ± 9.6 mL/kg vs 37.0 ± 8.9 mL/kg, p < 0.001). The postoperative hemoglobin concentration (g%) was significantly lower in the liberal group as compared to the GDT group (8.1 ± 1.3 vs 9.2 ± 1.4, p = 0.008). Recovery of bowel function (hours) was significantly delayed in the liberal group as compared to the GDT group (58.2 ± 17.9 vs 36.5 ± 14.1, p < 0.001).ConclusionIntraoperative PVI-guided fluid therapy significantly reduces the volume of intravenous crystalloids administered to children undergoing open bowel surgery. These children also had faster recovery of bowel function and less hemodilution in the immediate postoperative period, compared to those who received liberal intraoperative fluid therapy.Type of study: Randomized Clinical Trial.Level of evidence: Treatment Study (LEVEL 1).     

The influence of orthopedic surgery on the incidence of post-operative delirium in geriatric patients: results of a prospective observational study

BackgroundPostoperative delirium (PD) is a major concern in geriatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. This prospective observational study aims to examine the incidence of PD, to identify intervention-specific risk factors and to investigate the influence of orthopedic surgery on delirium.MethodsFrom 2019 to 2020, 132 patients ≥70 years of age with endoprosthetic (Group E) or spinal surgery (Group S) were included. Upon admission, the ISAR score, the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale, potential risk factors, the ASA score, duration of surgery, type of anesthesia, blood loss, and hemoglobin drop were recorded. For risk factor analysis patients were grouped into Group D (delirium) and Group ND (no delirium). Primary endpoint was the occurrence of PD.ResultsOf 132 patients, 50 were included in Group E and 82 in Group S. Mean age and ISAR score were not significantly different between groups. Delirium rate in Group E and S was 12% vs. 18% (p = 0.3). Differences could be observed between Group D and ND in duration of surgery (173 min vs. 112 min, p = 0.02), postoperative hemoglobin drop (3.2 g/dl vs. 2.3 g/dl; p = 0.026), history of PD (23% vs. 11%, p = 0.039) and use of isoflurane (6 vs. 2). Type of surgery was not an independent risk factor (p = 0.26).ConclusionSpecific type of orthopedic surgery is not an independent risk factor for PD. Prevention of PD should focus on duration of surgery and blood loss, particularly in patients with a history of PD. A possible delirogenic potential of isoflurane should be further studied.     

Comparisons of surgical conditions of deep and moderate neuromuscular blockade through multiple assessments and the quality of postoperative recovery in upper abdominal laparoscopic surgery

Study objectiveTo determine the effect of deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) on surgical field conditions through multiple assessments during pneumoperitoneum and evaluate the effect of the depth of intraoperative NMB on the quality of postoperative recovery over multiple time periods.DesignProspective randomized study.SettingOperating room of a university hospital.PatientsEighty non-morbidly obese patients (ASA physical status 1–2) who were scheduled to undergo laparoscopic gastrectomy in the reverse Trendelenburg position.InterventionsPatients were allocated to either the deep or moderate NMB group. The depth of NMB was maintained at a post-tetanic count of 1 for deep NMB with a continuous infusion of rocuronium and at a train-of-four count of 1 for moderate NMB with a small intermittent bolus of cisatracurium.MeasurementsSingle-blinded scoring of the quality of the surgical field condition was performed by a surgeon using a five-point scale in a 15-min interval during pneumoperitoneum. The quality of postoperative recovery was assessed using the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale (PostopQRS) on the day before surgery (baseline) and 1 h, 1 day, and 6 days after surgery.Main resultsOptimal surgical field condition was rated in 87.0% (449/516) and 72.3% (370/512) of all measurements during deep and moderate NMB, respectively (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients maintaining a good-to-optimal condition throughout pneumoperitoneum was higher in the deep NMB group than in the moderate NMB group. There were no significant differences in the percentage of recovered patients between the two groups for all domains and all timepoints.ConclusionsMultiple assessments of the surgical field condition demonstrated that deep NMB provided a more satisfactory surgical field condition than moderate NMB during laparoscopic gastrectomy. However, the quality of postoperative recovery, assessed using the PostopQRS, was not different between the two groups according to the depth of NMB.     

Effects of depth of neuromuscular block on surgical conditions during laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomised controlled trial

There have been few objective evaluations of the effects of deep neuromuscular blockade on intra‐operative conditions. In this prospective randomised controlled study, we evaluated the effects of deep neuromuscular block on surgical conditions during laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Patients were randomly allocated using a computer‐generated randomisation code to either moderate (train‐of‐four count 1–2 maintained and antagonised with neostigmine) or deep (post‐tetanic count 1–2 maintained and reversed with sugammadex) levels of neuromuscular blockade. The primary outcome measure was the number of abrupt increases in intra‐abdominal pressure intra‐operatively. Secondary outcome variables were intra‐operative restoration of spontaneous breathing, number of surgical requests for additional neuromuscular blockade, surgical rating of operating conditions and patient satisfaction. The surgeon who rated the surgical conditions score and investigator who checked the postoperative variables were blinded to patient allocation. In total, we recruited 70 patients of whom 64 (32 in each group) were analysed. Increases in intra‐abdominal pressure (14/32 vs. 6/32; p = 0.031), intra‐operative restoration of spontaneous breathing (16/32 vs. 2/32; p < 0.001) and request for additional neuromuscular blockade (21/32 vs. 8/32; p = 0.001) were more frequent in the moderate compared with the deep group. In patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery, deep neuromuscular blockade provided better surgical conditions than moderate neuromuscular blockade, as measured by a reduction in the incidence of intra‐abdominal pressure alarms.     

Vollrelaxation

Neuromuscular blockade (TOF count?=?0) can improve tracheal intubation and microlaryngeal surgery. It is also frequently used in many surgical fields including both nonlaparoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to improve surgical conditions and to prevent sudden muscle contractions. Currently there is a controversy regarding the need and the clinical benefits of deep neuromuscular blockade for different surgical procedures. Deep neuromuscular relaxation improves laparoscopic surgical space conditions only marginally when using low intra-abdominal pressure. There is no outcome-relevant advantage of low compared to higher intra-abdominal pressures, but worsen the surgical conditions. Postoperative, residual curarisation can be avoided by algorithm-based pharmacological reversing and quantitative neuromuscular monitoring.     

Comparison of the duration of neuromuscular blockade following a single bolus dose of rocuronium during laparoscopic gynaecological surgery vs conventional open surgery

We investigated whether laparoscopic vs open surgical approaches affected the duration of neuromuscular blockade following a single bolus dose of rocuronium. Fifty‐three female patients underwent either laparoscopic or open gynaecological surgery. Rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg^?1 was administered to achieve neuromuscular blockade in all subjects, and adductor pollicis train‐of‐four responses following ulnar nerve stimulation were monitored with mechanomyography. The mean (SD) time from injection of rocuronium until spontaneous recovery of the first twitch, and to 5% and 25% of baseline, was significantly prolonged in the laparoscopic group (27.2 (8.3) min, 31.3 (9.1) min and 38.1 (10.6) min, respectively) compared with the open surgery group (21.1 (5.8) min, 25.6 (6.3) min and 31.2 (6.7) min, respectively). Changes in liver function both before surgery and at 24 h postoperatively were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that neuromuscular blockade may be prolonged following a single bolus dose of rocuronium given during laparoscopic procedures.     

A randomised controlled trial comparing sugammadex and neostigmine at different depths of neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery*

Deep neuromuscular blockade during certain surgical procedures may improve operating conditions. Sugammadex can be used to reverse deep neuromuscular blockade without waiting for spontaneous recovery. This randomised study compared recovery times from neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg^?1, using sugammadex 4 mg.kg^?1 administered at 1–2 post‐tetanic count (deep blockade) or neostigmine 50 μg.kg^?1 (plus atropine 10 μg.kg^?1) administered at the re‐appearance of the second twitch of a train‐of‐four stimulation (moderate blockade), in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The primary efficacy variable was the time from the start of sugammadex/neostigmine administration to recovery of the train‐of‐four ratio to 0.9. Patients receiving sugammadex recovered 3.4 times faster than patients receiving neostigmine (geometric mean (95% CI) recovery times of 2.4 (2.1–2.7) and 8.4 (7.2–9.8) min, respectively, p < 0.0001). Moreover, 94% (62/66) of sugammadex‐treated patients recovered within 5 min, vs 20% (13/65) of neostigmine‐treated patients, despite the difference in the depth of neuromuscular blockade at the time of administration of both drugs. The ability to provide deep neuromuscular blockade throughout the procedure but still permit reversal at the end of surgery may enable improved surgical access and an enhanced visual field.     

Effect of depth of neuromuscular blockade on the abdominal space during pneumoperitoneum establishment in laparoscopic surgery

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) upon the abdominal space during pneumoperitoneum establishment in laparoscopic surgery, comparing moderate NMB and deep NMB.DesignProspective, randomized, crossover clinical trial.SettingOperating room.PatientsSeventy-six American Society of Anesthesiologists 1 to 2 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic surgery.InterventionsTwo independent evaluations were performed at the establishment of pneumoperitoneum for a preset intraabdominal pressures (IAPs) of 8 and 12 mm Hg, both during moderate NMB (train-of-four count, 1-3) and deep NMB (posttetanic count, < 5). Rocuronium was used to induce NMB, and sugammadex was used for reversal.MeasurementsWe evaluated (i) the volume of CO₂ introduced in 41 patients and (ii) the skin-sacral promontory distance in 35 patients, at pneumoperitoneum establishment.ResultsCompared to moderate NMB, deep NMB increased, in a significant manner, both the intraabdominal volume of CO₂ insufflated (mean [SD], 2.24 [1.10] vs 2.81 [1.13] L at 8 mm Hg IAP, P < .001, and 3.52 [1.31] vs 4.09 [1.31] L at 12 mm Hg IAP, P < .001) and the skin-sacral promontory distance (11.78 [1.52] vs 12.16 [1.51] cm at 8 mm Hg IAP, P = .002, and 13.34 [1.87] vs 13.80 [1.81] cm at 12 mm Hg IAP, P < .001). Increase in intraabdominal volume after inducing deep NMB was observed in 88% and 81.7% of patients at 8 and 12 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum, with a volume increase of mean of 36.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.8-50.8) and 25% (95% CI, 13.7-36.4), respectively (P = .003). Increase in distance was observed in 61% and 82% of patients at 8 and 12 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum, with a mean distance increase of 3.3% (95% CI, 1.3-5.4) and 3.6% (95% CI, 1.9-5.2), respectively (P = .840).ConclusionsDeep NMB, in comparison to moderate NMB, increased in a significant manner the abdominal space at pneumoperitoneum establishment. However, the effective increase in the abdominal cavity dimensions could be low, the increase showed a great interindividual variability, and it was not observed in every patient. Clinical significance of this increase on surgical conditions is yet to be demonstrated.     

Monitoring of neuromuscular block

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. Key points Postoperative residual curarization occurs evenafter administration of intermediate-acting non-depolarizingneuromuscular blocking drugs, for example, atracurium or vecuronium. Satisfactoryrecovery from neuromuscular block has not occured until thetrain-of-four ratio is >0.9. Quantitative methods of measuringevoked responses, for the example, acceleromyography or mechanomyography,are necessary to ensure adequate recovery from block. Onsetand recovery from neuromuscular block occurs at different ratesin different muscles. Anticholinesterases should not be usedto antagonize residual neuromuscular block unless full recoveryhas been demonstrated.   There is increasing evidence that residual neuromuscular blockis common, and also that it may adversely affect patient outcome.A study by Debaene and colleagues¹ found that 45% of patientshad residual curarization (train-of-four [TOF] ratio<0.9)in the postoperative recovery room after a single intubatingdose of the intermediate-acting drugs atracurium, vecuroniumor rocuronium. Another study found residual curarization (TOFratio<0.7) in 42% of patients in the . . . [Full Text of this Article]