Neuromuscular monitoring and its importance in neuromuscular blockade

  • Joaquín Fabregat López Specialist of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Departament of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
  • César Augusto Candia Arana Specialist of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Departament of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
  • Caridad Greta Castillo Monzón Specialist of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Departament of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
Keywords: Neuromuscular blocking agents, Myography, Anesthesia, Paralysis

Abstract

Introduction. The incorporation of new guidelines or strategies as part of good practices in the use of muscle relaxants is not a requirement at present in the practice of anesthesia. There are only action recommendations designed to persuade clinicians of the fact that neuromuscular monitoring is a very useful tool for the rational use of muscle relaxants.

Methodology.Complications occur, and residual paralysis is a significant event. For this reason, the authors advocate that monitoring neuromuscularblock may be a determining factor in improvingpatient care and reducing morbidity and mortality. This review and its methodology based on the experience of the authors is designed to present, in a simple format, the knowledge that is considered fundamental for the systematic use of neuromuscular monitoring in every day practice.

Results and conclusionsThis update describes the fundamental principles of the methods available at present, emphasizing quantitative recording measurements. It then describes the different ways in which muscles respond to the effect of neuromuscular blockade, as these are critical fundamental principles that have to be known. Neuromuscular monitoring is a practice that should be implemented every time a neuromuscular block is required. We are aware of the difficulty of generating an explicit recommendation, but our enthusiasm is derived from the benefits we have personally experienced when applying these methods that have been known for a longtime. Due to the potential morbidity associated with residual muscle relaxation, perioperative monitoring of neuromuscular function is essential.

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How to Cite
1.
Fabregat López J, Candia Arana CA, Castillo Monzón CG. Neuromuscular monitoring and its importance in neuromuscular blockade. Colomb. J. Anesthesiol. [Internet]. 2012 Oct. 1 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];40(4):293–303. Available from: https://www.revcolanest.com.co/index.php/rca/article/view/774

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Published
2012-10-01
How to Cite
1.
Fabregat López J, Candia Arana CA, Castillo Monzón CG. Neuromuscular monitoring and its importance in neuromuscular blockade. Colomb. J. Anesthesiol. [Internet]. 2012 Oct. 1 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];40(4):293–303. Available from: https://www.revcolanest.com.co/index.php/rca/article/view/774
Section
Narrative review

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