Neuromuscular blockade management for intraoperative neural monitoring

Abstract

This article reviews the literature on development of neuromuscular blockade management in thyroid surgery with intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) in the past decade. Neuromuscular blockade management includes the choice of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and reversal of neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex. A series of animal study and clinical trials showed NMBAs effect on IONM in thyroid surgery. We summarized five NMBA regimens for IONM: (a) relaxant-free regimen, (b) depolarizing NMBA-succinylcholine, (c) titration of nondepolarizing NMBA, and (d) rocuronium combined with sugammadex. The proper management of neuromuscular blockade during IONM has greatly developed over the past decade. The misuse of NMBAs is associated with false IONM interpretations to surgeons. A detailed understanding of NMBAs and neuromuscular blockade management by sugammadex may optimize IONM quality in patients receiving monitored thyroid surgery.

Keywords: intraoperative neural monitoring; neuromuscular blocking agents; recurrent laryngeal nerve; thyroid surgery.