Abstract
Objective: To compare the occurrence of postoperative residual curarization (PORC) in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) after extubation in patients receiving vecuronium and rocuronium for muscle relaxation during general anesthesia.
Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty-five patients scheduled for elective surgery in ASA I-II risk group aged 18 to 60 years old were included in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study. The patients were divided into 2 groups; vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg (Group V, n=68) and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg (Group R, n=67). Extubation was performed in all cases according to the criteria of antagonization with neostigmine and of clinical observation. On arrival at the PACU, the TOF ratio was measured at 0., 15. and 30. minutes. The monitorization was continued if the TOF ratio was still <0.9 at 30. minutes.
Results: Demographic data, type of operation, procedure times, the dose of total fentanyl and neostigmine were all similar in both groups. Although the PORC frequency was higher in Group R at 0. minute and was higher in Group V at 15. and 30. minutes, the differences were not statistically significant. PORC was observed in 1 patient in Group V at 45. minute.
Conclusion: The frequency of PORC did not differ among patients who received vecuronium and rocuronium during general anesthesia. When we consider only the TOF values, we can say that neuromuscular monitorization is required for at least 30. minutes in PACU.