Abstract:
Title: Administration of Low Dose Rocuronium and Low Dose Succinylcholine for Ease of
Insertion of LMA - A Prospective Comparative Study
Background: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a widely used device in airway management
due to its numerous advantages over traditional facemasks and endotracheal tubes. Achieving
optimal conditions for LMA insertion, while maintaining cardiovascular stability, remains a
challenge. This study explores the use of low doses of muscle relaxants, specifically
rocuronium and succinylcholine, to facilitate the insertion of LMA during propofol
anesthesia.
Objective: The primary objective is to compare the effectiveness of low-dose rocuronium
and low-dose succinylcholine in terms of jaw relaxation, ease of LMA insertion, number of
attempts required for insertion, and incidence of airway trauma. Secondary objectives include
assessing the patient’s response to LMA insertion and monitoring hemodynamic parameters.
Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in the Department of
Anaesthesiology at B.L.D.E. (D.U.) Shri B.M. Patil Medical College and Hospital &
Research Centre, Vijayapura. Patients scheduled for elective short general surgery procedures
were randomly assigned to receive either low-dose rocuronium or low-dose succinylcholine
in addition to propofol for LMA insertion. Data on jaw relaxation, ease of insertion, number
of attempts, airway trauma, and patient response (e.g., gagging, coughing, movements,
laryngospasm) were collected. Hemodynamic parameters, including mean arterial pressure,
heart rate, and oxygen saturation, were also recorded.
Results: Both low-dose rocuronium and low-dose succinylcholine were effective in
improving jaw relaxation and facilitating LMA insertion. The number of attempts required
for successful insertion was reduced, and the incidence of airway trauma was minimal.
Patients receiving muscle relaxants exhibited fewer adverse responses during LMA insertion.
Hemodynamic parameters remained stable across both groups, with no significant differences
observed.
Conclusion: The use of low-dose rocuronium and low-dose succinylcholine significantly
improves the conditions for LMA insertion during propofol anesthesia in elective general
surgery patients. These muscle relaxants enhance jaw relaxation, ease of insertion, and reduce the number of insertion attempts and airway trauma, without causing significant
hemodynamic instability. This study supports the incorporation of low-dose muscle relaxants
into anesthesia protocols for LMA insertion to optimize patient outcomes.
