Comparison of Efficacy of Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine in Reversing Neuromuscular Blocks in Patients Having Outpatient Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A Randomized, Double-Blinded Trial

The investigators propose a single-center, assessor-blinded, parallel group randomized trial to compare the efficacy of reversal of rocuronium induced neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex versus neostigmine. Participating patients and outcome assessors will be blinded to group assignment. The anesthesiologists who assume anesthesia care will not be blinded to group assignment.

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 3 and 4 adults scheduled for elective outpatient ERCP procedure with general anesthesia at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital will be included in the study. Patients will be excluded if they have suspected difficult airway, neuromuscular disorders, end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis, are allergic to fentanyl, neuromuscular blocking drugs or neuromuscular reversal drugs, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Eighty patients scheduled for outpatient ERCP with general anesthesia and rocuronium-induced muscle relaxation will be randomized 1:1 to: 1) reversal by sugammadex; or 2) reversal by neostigmine. Randomization will be stratified by 2 factors: (1) patient's age (older than 60 versus younger than 60) and (2) diagnostic vs. interventional procedures. Randomization will be based on computer generated codes that will be maintained in web-based system until shortly before induction of anesthesia, thus concealing allocation so long as practical.