A study of the use of atracurium in minor and major surgery

Seventy patients were administered Atracurium, during six months from November, 1986 to April, 1987, for muscle relaxation during minor to major surgery. Age range was between 16-75 years with an average of 45. No premedication was used. Induction was with 2.5%, Sodium Pentothal and maintenance with gas, oxygen and halothane. Sixty one (87%) patients had good surgical relaxation. Two (2.85%) adequate and seven (10%) had poor relaxation. Major complications were bradycardia, eleven (15.7%) patients and bronchospasm (12.8%) nine patients. Sixty three (90%) had spontaneous recovery. Atracurium was found to be a safe muscle relaxant with an added advantage of elimination by Hoffman's reaction.