Recovery and prediction of postoperative muscle power - is it still a problem?

In the postoperative period, immediate recovery of muscular power is essential for patient safety, but this can be affected by anaesthetic drugs, opioids and neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA). In this cohort study, we evaluated anaesthetic and patient-related factors contributing to reduced postoperative muscle power and pulse oximetric saturation.

We prospectively observed 615 patients scheduled for minor surgery. Premedication, general anaesthesia and respiratory settings were standardized according to standard operating procedures (SOP). If NMBAs were administered, neuromuscular monitoring was applied to establish a Train of four (TOF)-Ratio of >0.9 before extubation. After achieving a modified fast track score > 10 at 4 time points up to 2 h postoperatively, we measured pulse oximetric saturation and also static and dynamic muscle power, using a high precision digital force gauge. Loss of muscle power in relation to the individual preoperative baseline value was analysed in relation to patient and anaesthesia-related factors using the T-test, simple and multiple stepwise regression analysis.

Despite having achieved a TOF ratio of >0.9 a decrease in postoperative muscle power was detectable in most patients and correlated with reduced postoperative pulse oximetric saturation. Independent contributing factors were use of neuromuscular blocking agents (p < 0.001), female gender (p = 0.001), TIVA (p = 0.018) and duration of anaesthesia >120 min (p = 0.019).

Significant loss of muscle power and reduced pulse oximetric saturation are often present despite a TOF-Ratio > 0.9. Gender differences are also significant. A modified fast track score > 10 failed to predict recovery of muscle power in most patients.

German Clinical Trial Register DRKS-ID DRKS00006032 ; Registered: 2014/04/03.