Acta oto-laryngologica
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Acta oto-laryngologica · Jan 2003
Effects of partial neuromuscular blockade on facial nerve monitorization in otologic surgery.
Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) is administered as part of a general anesthetic in order to keep the patient immobilized during surgery and has been known to hinder intraoperative neuromonitorization. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different levels of NMB on electrical stimulation thresholds of the facial nerve during otologic surgery. ⋯ This study suggests that a regulated 50% level of peripheral NMB provides reliable intraoperative EMG monitoring of the facial musculature in response to electrical stimulation and adequate anesthesia, with full immobilization of the patient.