A simple atracurium infusion regimen for intra-abdominal surgery

Atracurium was used to provide relaxation for intra-abdominal surgery in 15 patients. The regimen comprised an initial bolus (0.4 mg kg-1) followed by an infusion (0.3 mg kg-1 h-1) from 10 min after induction until closure of the peritoneum. Average duration of infusion was 80 min (range 48-166 min). This regimen provided satisfactory relaxation in 13 patients; two patients required one additional bolus of atracurium. Fourteen patients showed a sustained tetanic response to 50-Hz stimulation at the end of surgery and in these neuromuscular blockade was not antagonized. One patient required antagonism following very rapid closure of the abdomen.