Comparison of Deep and Moderate Neuromuscular Blockade for Major Laparoscopic Surgery in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and objective: Neuromuscular blocking agents are routinely used in laparoscopic surgery to optimize operative conditions. We compared the effect of a deep and moderate neuromuscular blockade (NMB) on surgical conditions and postoperative outcomes in children undergoing major laparoscopic surgery.

Methods: Sixty children aged 2-14 years scheduled to undergo major laparoscopic surgery were randomly allocated to deep (post-tetanic count 1-2 twitches) or moderate (train-of-four 1-2 twitches) NMB groups. The anesthesia was maintained with propofol and remifentanil, and the NMB was maintained with a rocuronium continuous infusion. At the end of the operation, the NMB were antagonized with sugammadex. The intra-abdominal pressure, airway pressure, Leiden Surgical Rating Scale, intraoperative hemodynamics, drug usages, duration of surgery, postoperative recovery time, pain, and complications were compared between the groups.

Results: The maximum and mean intra-abdominal pressure, the peak inspiratory pressure, and mean airway pressure were significantly lower in the deep NMB group than in the moderate NMB group (p < 0.001). The Leiden Surgical Rating Scale and the dosage of rocuronium were significantly higher in the deep NMB group than the moderate NMB group (p < 0.001). The intraoperative hemodynamics, duration of surgery, post-operative recovery time, pain, and the incidence rate of complications were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: A deep NMB provided better operative conditions and similar recovery profiles compared with a moderate NMB as reversed with sugammadex in children undergoing major laparoscopic surgery.

Clinical trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, No. ChiCTR2100053821.