• Jin Sun Kim, Jung Woo Han, Jae Ho Lee, Jae Moon Choi, Ha Jung Kim, Tae-Yun Sung, Yong Beom Kim, Yong Seop Shin, and Hong Seuk Yang.
• Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gangneung Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea.
• Anesth Pain Med (Seoul). 2019 Oct 31; 14 (4): 441-448.

BackgroundNeuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and neuromuscular monitoring in anesthetic management are integral for endotracheal intubation, better visualization of the surgical field, and prevention of residual neuromuscular blockade and pulmonary complications. Sugammadex is a drug that reduces risk of residual neuromuscular blockade, with more rapid recovery compared to anticholinesterase. The purpose of this study was to investigate current usage status of NMBAs and antagonist with neuromuscular monitoring, among anesthesiologists in Korea.MethodsAnesthesiologists working in Korea were invited to participate in an online survey via email January 2-February 28, 2018. The questionnaire consisted of 45 items, including preferred NMBAs, antagonists, neuromuscular monitoring, and complications related to the use sugammadex. A total of 174 responses were analyzed.ResultsRocuronium was a commonly used NMBA for endotracheal intubation (98%) of hospitals, and maintenance of anesthesia (83.3%) in of hospitals. Sugammadex, pyridostigmine, and neostigmine were used in 89.1%, 87.9%, and 45.4% of hospitals. Neuromuscular monitoring was employed in 79.3% of hospitals; however only 39.7% of hospitals used neuromuscular monitoring before antagonist administration. Usual dosage range of sugammadex was 2.1-4 mg/kg in 35.1% of hospitals, within 2 mg/kg in 34.5% of hospitals, and 1 vial regardless of body weight in 22.4% of hospitals. Sugammadexrelated complications were encountered by 14.9% of respondents.ConclusionsThis survey indicates several minor problems associated with the use of antagonists and neuromuscular monitoring. However, most anesthesiologists appear to have appropriate information regarding the usage of NMBAs and sugammadex.Copyright: © Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.

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