Comparing Patient Satisfaction and Intubating Conditions Using Succinylcholine or Low-Dose Rocuronium for Rigid...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Succinylcholine is a common neuromuscular relaxant for short procedures despite side effects.
• Low-dose rocuronium reversed by sugammadex presents a potential modern alternative.
• Evaluating patient satisfaction, postoperative myalgia, and intubating conditions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient satisfaction, postoperative myalgia (POM), and intubating conditions between low-dose succinylcholine and low-dose rocuronium/sugammadex for rigid bronchoscopy.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of these neuromuscular relaxants in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, blinded study involving 95 patients undergoing rigid bronchoscopy.
• Patients received either low-dose succinylcholine (S) or low-dose rocuronium with sugammadex (RS).
• Patient satisfaction (Numeric Analog Rating Scale) and POM severity were evaluated post-intervention. Intubating conditions were assessed.

Main Results:

• The rocuronium/sugammadex group reported significantly higher patient satisfaction (93.7% vs. 72.7%) and lower incidence of POM (4.3% vs. 56.9%) on day one.
• Succinylcholine provided faster intubation (p<0.001) and superior intubating conditions (p<0.003), though acceptable conditions were achieved with rocuronium in 75% of cases.
• Anesthetic drug costs were significantly higher in the rocuronium/sugammadex group (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Low-dose rocuronium/sugammadex offers improved patient satisfaction and reduced postoperative myalgia.
• Low-dose succinylcholine provides more comfortable intubating conditions and is more cost-effective.
• The choice between agents involves balancing patient comfort, procedural efficiency, and cost.