Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) may pose a clinical dilemma between surgeons' requirements of muscle relaxation and the risk of residual blockade. This review has aimed at describing the challenges when using NMB for optimizing surgical conditions and reasons for inadequate relaxation despite use of NMB. Interdisciplinary collaboration, proper neuromuscular monitoring, knowledge on differences in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of NMB are essential factors when optimizing surgical conditions by use of NMB.