Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to discuss the optimal use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) during ambulatory surgery, and to provide an update on the routine use of neuromuscular monitoring and the prevention of residual paralysis.
Recent findings: The number of major surgical procedures performed in ambulatory patients is likely to increase in the coming years, following the development of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures. To successfully complete these procedures, the proper use of NMBA is mandatory. The use of NMBA not only improves intubating conditions but also ventilation. Recent studies demonstrate that NMBA are much more the solution rather than the cause of airway problems. There is growing evidence that the paralysis of the diaphragm and the abdominal wall muscles, which are resistant to NMBA is of importance during laparoscopic surgery. Further studies are still required to determine when deep neuromuscular block [posttetanic count (PTC) < 5] is required perioperatively. There is now a consensus to use perioperatively neuromuscular monitoring and particularly objective neuromuscular monitoring in combination with reversal agents to avoid residual paralysis and its related morbidity (e.g. respiratory complications in the PACU).
Summary: Recent data suggest that it is now possible to obtain a tight control of neuromuscular block to maintain optimal relaxation tailored to the surgical requirements and to obtain a rapid and reliable recovery at the end of the procedure.