Incidence of Residual Neuromuscular Blockade in the Postanaesthesia Care Unit: An Observational Study.

Residual neuromuscular blockade is a known cause of postoperative complications

after general anaesthesia with relaxants. Various reasons have been cited for this, including

but not limited to the type of surgery, duration of surgery, neuromuscular blocker used, dose

of Neuromuscular blockade and the type and dose of reversal used. Many measures have

been suggested to reduce the incidence of Residual neuromuscular blockade, like adequate

titration of dose of Neuromuscular blockade and reversal used and timing of the reversal

agent, to preclude Residual neuromuscular blockade but various studies continue to show

significant incidence of Residual Neuromuscular blockade and its associated morbidity.

Neuromuscular monitoring is a useful tool, both intraoperatively and postoperatively to guide

Neuromuscular blockade use and reversal but is not used often and to its potential. It can

significantly reduce the incidences of Residual neuromuscular blockade.

We aim to conduct an observational study into the incidence of Residual

neuromuscular blockade in the post anaesthesia care unit of patients undergoing surgery in

general anaesthesia with muscle relaxants. This study will include 290 Patients. All patients

found eligible and who consent to the study will be enrolled. Demographic and clinical

details of the patients will be noted. All patients undergoing surgery under general

anaesthesia, will be checked for Residual neuromuscular blockade with a neuromuscular

monitor using Train of four mode, on their arrival to the Post anaesthesia care unit. Patients

having a TOF ratio < 0.9 will be considered to have a Residual neuromuscular blockade.