Intraoperative Monitoring of Neuromuscular Blockade

There is a global trend of new guidelines highly recommending quantitative neuromuscular monitoring in the operating room. In fact, it is almost certain that quantitatively monitoring the depth of intraoperative muscle paralysis may permit the rational use of muscle relaxants and avoid some of the major related complications, namely postoperative pulmonary complications. A specific culture related to this issue is necessary to integrate quantitative monitoring of muscle relaxants as part of a major monitoring entity in anesthetized patients. For this purpose, it is necessary to fully understand the physiology, pharmacology and concept of monitoring as well as the choice of pharmacological reversal, including the introduction of sugammadex a decade ago.

Automated summary

There is a global trend of recommending quantitative neuromuscular monitoring in the operating room, which can help in rational use of muscle relaxants and avoid complications. A specific culture is necessary to integrate this monitoring as part of anesthesia in patients, including understanding the physiology, pharmacology, concept of monitoring, and choice of reversal agents like sugammadex.