Influence of remazolam and propofol on intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during spinal surgery: A
Ying Zhou1, Hai-Fang Li1, Yan-Ping Li1
1Department of Operating Room, The Third Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China.
Background:
Propofol, traditionally used for spinal surgery anesthesia under intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), can interfere with IONM signals. Remazolam offers quick onset, minimal circulatory and respiratory effects, and resistance to flumazenil reversal, yet its impact on IONM signaling remains uncertain. Herein, we evaluated the impact of these 2 anesthetics on IONM during spinal surgery.
Methods:
Eighty patients who had undergone spinal operation were enrolled and divided into group R and group P, with 40 cases in each group. Group R used remazolam while group P used propofol for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Demographic characteristics of the patients in both groups were recorded. IONM signals, including somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and transcranial motor evoked potential (MEP), were compared between the 2 groups. Moreover, the heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and bispectral index were also recorded at the time of entering the operating room (T0), tracheal intubation (T1), 1 minute (T2), 30 minutes (T3), and 50 minutes (T4) after stopping the muscle relaxants. Additionally, other outcomes, including time to awakening, time to extubation, and adverse effects, were also evaluated.
Results:
A total of 80 patients were included in this study. The HR and MAP did not differ between the 2 groups at T0 (P > .05), but HR and MAP were more stable in group R than in group P from T1 to T4 (P < .05). The amplitudes of both SEP and MEP were significantly higher in group R than in group P at T3 and T4 (P < .05), while the latency of SEP and MEP was significantly shorter in group R than in group P at T3 and T4 (P < .05). Additionally, the remifentanil dose was significantly lower in group R than in group P (P < .05).
Conclusion:
Remazolam serves as a safe and alternative anesthetic in spinal surgery that minimally interferes with IONM signals and increases surgical safety.
Insights
Remazolam is a safe anesthetic for spinal surgery, showing fewer IONM signal interferences than propofol. This anesthetic improves surgical safety by maintaining stable hemodynamics and enhancing neurophysiological monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Propofol can interfere with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) signals during spinal surgery.
- Remazolam's impact on IONM signals is not well-established.
- Evaluating anesthetic effects on IONM is crucial for surgical safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of Remazolam versus propofol on IONM signals during spinal surgery.
- To assess hemodynamic stability and other clinical outcomes under both anesthetics.
Main Methods:
- Eighty patients undergoing spinal surgery were divided into Remazolam (Group R) and propofol (Group P) groups.
- IONM signals (SEP, MEP), heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and bispectral index were monitored.
- Awakening time, extubation time, and adverse effects were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Remazolam group showed more stable heart rate and mean arterial pressure from intubation onwards.
- Somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were higher with Remazolam.
- SEP and MEP latencies were shorter, and lower remifentanil doses were needed with Remazolam.
Conclusions:
- Remazolam is a safe and effective alternative anesthetic for spinal surgery.
- Remazolam minimally interferes with IONM signals, enhancing surgical safety.
- Remazolam offers improved hemodynamic stability compared to propofol during spinal procedures.
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