ABSTRACT

We aimed to investigate the effects of high-dose rocuronium administration on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and surgical conditions during anaesthesia induction and laparoscopic cholecystectomy anaesthesia induction, respectively. Further, we aimed to determine postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain scores following the laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of I–III, aged 18 to 75 years and who were scheduled for surgery under general anaesthesia were included in the study. Patients were randomised and a high-dose of 1.2 mg kg−1 rocuronium was given to Group A and 0.6 mg kg−1 rocuronium to Group B. The intraoperative train of four (TOF) ratio and post-tetanic count (PTC) were measured. Surgery was initiated with a low IAP of 7 mmHg. The surgeon evaluated surgical conditions with a 4-step surgical field scale and increased the IAP when necessary. PONV at 4, 12 and 24 hours and postoperative pain at 2 and 24 hours and 3 days were evaluated.

There were no significant differences in the demographic and haemodynamic parameters between the groups. In high-dose rocuronium Group A, IAP values were significantly lower in the first 20 minutes compared to Group B. The duration of operations was significantly shorter in Group A (29.00±7.39 minute vs. 34.63±12.00 minute, p=0.044). PONV in the first 12 hours was significantly lower in Group A (p<0.05).

High-dose rocuronium-induced deep neuromuscular block helped perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy operations with lower values of IAP compared to a normal dose rocuronium. It also shortened duration of operation and reduced PONV and pain.

Keywords: Cholecystectomy, laparoscopic, nausea vomiting, neuromuscular blockade, pain, postoperative, rocuronium