Association of sugammadex reversal of neuromuscular block and postoperative length of stay in the ambulatory care facility: a multicentre hospital registry study

Background: Encapsulation of rocuronium or vecuronium with sugammadex can reverse neuromuscular block faster than neostigmine reversal. This pharmacodynamic profile might facilitate patient discharge after ambulatory surgery. Methods: We included patients who underwent ambulatory surgery with general anaesthesia and neuromuscular block between 2016 and 2021 from hospital registries at two large academic healthcare networks in the USA. The primary outcome was postoperative length of stay in the ambulatory care facility (PLOS-ACF). We examined post hoc whether the type of reversal affects postoperative nausea and vomiting and direct hospital costs. Results: Among the 29 316 patients included, 8945 (30.5%) received sugammadex and 20 371 (69.5%) received neostigmine for reversal. PLOS-ACF and costs were lower in patients who received sugammadex vs neostigmine (adjusted difference in PLOS-ACF:-9.5 min; 95% confidence interval [95% CI],-10.5 to-8.5 min; adjusted difference in direct hospital costs:-US$77; 95% CI,-$88 to-$66; respectively; P<0.001). The association was magnified in patients over age 65 yr, with ASA physical status >2 undergoing short procedures (<2 h) (adjusted difference in PLOS-ACF:-18.2 min; 95% CI,-23.8 to-12.4 min; adjusted difference in direct hospital costs:-$176; 95% CI,-$220 to-$128; P<0.001). Sugammadex use was asso-ciated with reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (17.2% vs 19.6%, P<0.001), which mediated its effects on length of stay. Conclusions: Reversal with sugammadex compared with neostigmine was associated with a small decrease in post-operative length of stay in the ambulatory care unit. The effect was magnified in older and high-risk patients, and can be explained by reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting. Sugammadex reversal in ambulatory surgery may also help reduce cost of care.

Automated summary

The use of sugammadex in ambulatory surgery can reverse neuromuscular block faster and reduce post-operative length of stay and costs compared to neostigmine, especially in older and high-risk patients.