Continuous Infusion and Bolus Doses of Rocuronium During Lumbal Discectomy, Muscle Strength and Patient Recovery

Rocuronium is a non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent that can be administered in bolus doses or via continuous infusion during general anesthesia. Due to the specificity of the knee-chest position in a lumbar discectomy, many complications during anesthesia and surgery are possible. Therefore an effective and balanced intraoperative neuromuscular block is needed.

Studies so far have not included a comparison on muscle strength and quality of patient recovery of the effect of continuous infusion and bolus doses of rocuronium during anesthesia for lumbar discectomy.

The hypothesis of this research was that the continuous infusion of rocuronium during general anesthesia for a lumbar discectomy enables better muscle strength recovery, and a better quality of patient recovery as measured by questionnaire.

The aim was to compare the influence of the continuous infusion and bolus doses of rocuronium on patient recovery. Therefore the investigators assessed how continuous infusion and bolus doses of rocuronium affect the recovery of muscle strength as measured by a hand-grip dynamometer. The quality of patient recovery was assessed by standardised questionnaire (Qor-40 - Quality of recovery questionnaire).

The aim was also to evaluate the applicability of the Croatian version of Qor-40 questionnaire in clinical practice.

Inclusion criteria

• ASA ( American Society of Anesthesiologists) grading status I-III
• scheduled for lumbal discectomy under general anesthesia
• signed informed consent for participating in the research

Exclusion criteria

• neuromuscular disease
• poorly controlled chronic or acute cardiovascular, respiratory or autoimmune disease
• allergic reaction to any of the medications in protocol
• pregnancy
• refusal to participate in the research