Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

[Succinylcholine--update].

H J Sparr1, M Jöhr

  • 1Universitätsklinik für Anaesthesie und Allgemeine Intensivmedizin, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Osterreich. harald.j.sparr@uibk.ac.at

Der Anaesthesist
|September 24, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Succinylcholine remains vital for rapid intubation in emergencies, despite side effects. However, modern alternatives and techniques are making it dispensable in many routine anesthetic practices.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

[Basic manual skills in pediatric anesthesia].

Der Anaesthesist·2018
Same author

[Inhalation and intravenous anesthesia in pediatric patients].

Der Anaesthesist·2016
Same author

[Safety in pediatric anesthesia: standards and checklists].

Der Anaesthesist·2015
Same author

[Risks in pediatric anesthesia. Causes and prevention of complications].

Der Anaesthesist·2014
Same author

[Midazolam for premedication in pediatric patients: pros and cons debate].

Der Anaesthesist·2013
Same author

[Endotracheal intubation in pediatric patients : With or without neuromuscular blocking agents?].

Der Anaesthesist·2011

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Succinylcholine has been a cornerstone in anesthetic practice for 50 years.
  • Its rapid action profile makes it indispensable for emergency endotracheal intubation, especially in patients at risk of aspiration.
  • Despite life-threatening side effects, its use persists due to its unique properties.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the continued indispensability of succinylcholine in modern anesthesia.
  • To discuss the role of alternatives like rocuronium and newer anesthetic techniques.
  • To analyze the risks and benefits of succinylcholine, including precurarisation techniques.

Summary:

  • Succinylcholine's primary indication for rapid sequence induction in high-aspiration-risk patients remains undisputed.
  • Precurarisation, while mitigating some side effects, introduces significant risks and controversy.
  • Rocuronium is the leading alternative for rapid sequence induction; modern techniques may render succinylcholine obsolete except in specific critical scenarios.

Impact:

  • The routine use of succinylcholine for intubation is increasingly questioned due to advancements in anesthetic drugs and devices.
  • In cases of expected difficult airways, foregoing muscle relaxants and prioritizing professional airway management is recommended.
  • Succinylcholine is no longer recommended for elective pediatric anesthesia but retains value in critical situations demanding rapid onset and short duration.

Related Experiment Videos