Comparison of recovery after neuromuscular blockade by atracurium or pancuronium

Thirty patients were randomly allocated to receive either atracurium or pancuronium for neuromuscular blockade during surgery. At the end of the operation residual paralysis was antagonized with neostigmine. Voluntary strength was assessed at intervals after the antagonism, by observing grip strength, maximum inspiratory and expiratory force, 5-s head lift and the presence or absence of double vision. Grip strength and maximum expiratory force recovered significantly more quickly in the atracurium group over the 2-h measurement period. Double vision was significantly more frequent at up to 1 h when pancuronium had been used. At no time was there any significant difference between the two groups in respect of the 5-s head lift or, after 30 min, in the measurement of inspiratory force.