A survey of current concepts and practices related to use of neuromuscular blockers with antagonists and neuromuscular monitoring among Korean anesthesiologists

Abstract

Background: The goal of this nationwide survey was to investigate the current concepts and practices of the use of neuromuscular blockers and their antagonists, and the availability and clinical practice of neuromuscular monitoring in Korea. Methods: After obtaining approval from the board of directors of the Korean Society of Anesthesiologists, we distributed a questionnaire via email to anesthesiology specialists with registered email addresses. The survey included questions on the availability and daily use of neuromuscular blockers, their antagonists and neuromuscular monitoring. Results: The overall response rate was 23.7%. Rocuronium and pyridostigmine were preferred as neuromuscular blocker (92.9%) and antagonist (86.1%), respectively. Although most anesthesiologists recognized the detrimental effect of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade (87.7%) and the importance of neuromuscular monitoring (76.3%), quantitative monitoring was available in only 51.2% of the hospitals. More than 75% of respondents still prefer to use clinical signs to evaluate the recovery from paralysis. Conclusions: Changes in attitude and behaviors that mimic neuromuscular monitoring in Korea will be possible by regular and repeated publicity and education. Furthermore, greater distribution of neuromuscular monitoring devices and routine clinical use of these devices are also required.