Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia
Published on: May 26, 2023
Pulmonary function decline in immediate postoperative period is not necessarily related to residual neuromuscular
Marcus Thudium1, Evgeniya Kornilov, Lukas Raczeck
1From the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany (MT, EK, LR, OB) and Department of Anaesthesia, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel (EK).
Background:
Previous studies have reported an association between the use of neuromuscular blocking (NMB) agents and postoperative pulmonary complications. Postoperative pulmonary function is a key indicator for postoperative pulmonary complications. Several sites can be used to assess depth and recovery from NMB.
Objectives:
To investigate postoperative pulmonary function change in relation to train-of-four measurements at the adductor pollicis and corrugator supercilii muscles, and anaesthesia-related variables in orthopaedic patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty.
Design:
Observational study.
Setting:
University hospital.
Patients:
Orthopaedic patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty.
Main Outcome Measures:
Postoperative pulmonary function tests in the postanaesthesia care unit.
Methods:
Patients scheduled for elective hip or knee arthroplasty received simultaneous corrugator supercilii and adductor pollicis measurements during anaesthesia conducted according to clinical standards. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured at the time of inclusion and postoperatively on the postanaesthesia care unit. Linear regression analysis was performed for association between risk factors and pulmonary function change.
Results:
A total of 35 patients were included. After exclusions, 20 patients remained for final analysis. Corrugator supercilii showed earlier NMB recovery than adductor pollicis. FVC decreased significantly after surgery from 2.9 ± 1.0 to 2.3 ± 1.0 (P < 0.01) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s decreased from 2.3 ± 0.9 to 1.6 ± 0.8 l (P < 0.01). Patient age was the only factor significantly related to FVC decrease after surgery (P = 0.019) with a cut-off value of 65 years.
Conclusion:
Both corrugator supercilii and adductor pollicis failed to indicate recovery of pulmonary function after NMB. Age seems to be a risk factor for postoperative decline in pulmonary function.
Trial Registration:
German Clinical Trials registry, DRKS-ID: DRKS00014305.
More Related Videos
08:30Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes
Published on: March 15, 2018
09:24Repeated Measurement of Respiratory Muscle Activity and Ventilation in Mouse Models of Neuromuscular Disease
Published on: April 17, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...