Residual neuromuscular block in the postanaesthesia care unit: a single-centre prospective observational study and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Concerns regarding residual neuromuscular block (RNMB) have persisted since the introduction of neuromuscular blocking agents, with reported incidences in the 21st century up to 50%. Advances in neuromuscular transmission (NMT) monitoring and the introduction of sugammadex have addressed this issue, but the impact of these developments remains unclear. METHODS: This prospective observational study evaluated RNMB in 500 surgical patients in a large Dutch teaching hospital with readily available quantitative NMT monitoring and reversal agents. The anaesthetic technique and intraoperative NMT monitoring were independently chosen by the attending anaesthesiologist. Acceleromyography was performed upon arrival in the PACU for patients who received nondepolarising neuromuscular blocking agents. RNMB was defined as a train-of-four ratio (TOFR) <0.9. A systematic review was conducted to analyse trends in RNMB in contemporary practice. RESULTS: Out of 500 patients, 11 (2.2%) had a TOFR <0.9. Intraoperative NMT monitoring was performed in 77.6% of patients, and sugammadex was administered to 38% of patients. No patient received neostigmine. The only difference was an automatically recorded TOFR ≥0.9 at the end of surgery in 61.1% in the non-RNMB group compared with 18.2% in the RNMB group (P=0.009). Our systematic review identified incidences ranging from 3.5% to 53.3% since 2000, with a decreasing trend in Europe and North America. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of residual neuromuscular block in the PACU was 2.2%. This suggests significant improvement in the prevention of residual neuromuscular block and stresses the importance of rigorous neuromuscular transmission monitoring and adequate use of reversal agents.

Effect of coadministration of 10 mg/kg calcium chloride and neostigmine on extubation time: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Some studies investigating the effect of calcium on neostigmine-induced recovery of neuromuscular blockade have shown that this combination promotes neuromuscular recovery, but does not significantly affect the incidence of postoperative residual curarization and time to extubation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 10 mg/kg calcium chloride co-administered with neostigmine on early recovery and time to extubation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study included 88 ASA I-II patients aged between 18 and 65 years who were scheduled for elective surgery lasting at least 1 h under general anaesthesia in which 10 mg/kg of calcium chloride or the same volume of normal saline was co-administered with 5 µg/kg of neostigmine at the end of surgery. Time to extubation (time from neostigmine administration to extubation), time from neostigmine administration to TOF ratio (TOFr) 0.9 (neuromuscular recovery), and the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) and other adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Median (Q1, Q3) extubation time was significantly shorter in the calcium group vs. the placebo group (6.5 min [5.52-7.43] vs. 9.78 min [8.35-11]), P < .001. Median neuromuscular recovery time in the calcium group was 5 min vs. 7.1 min in the placebo group, P < .001. Patients in the calcium group had significantly higher TOFr and lower incidence of RNMB at 5 and 10 min vs. the placebo group, and no significant side effects. CONCLUSION: Calcium chloride at a dose of 10 mg/kg co-administered with neostigmine promotes early neuromuscular recovery and reduces time to extubation by about 32%.

The Incidence of Residual Neuromuscular Block in Pediatrics: A Prospective, Pragmatic, Multi-institutional Cohort Study.

Introduction Residual neuromuscular block, defined as a quantitatively measured train-of-four ratio (TOFr) <0.9, is common postoperatively. Using a pragmatic trial design, we hypothesized that qualitative and/or clinical assessment of neuromuscular block would inadequately detect residual block following antagonism with neostigmine or sugammadex. Method After IRB approval and written informed consent, 74 children (aged 2-17 years), undergoing elective surgery and receiving rocuronium, were prospectively enrolled in the study at Children's Hospital Colorado and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Routine clinical practice at both institutions consisted of clinical signs and/or qualitative assessment with peripheral nerve stimulators. Children at the Colorado hospital routinely received sugammadex antagonism; whereas children at the Atlanta hospital received neostigmine. Residual neuromuscular block was assessed postoperatively using quantitative electromyography. If TOFr was <0.9, patients received sugammadex until TOFr ≥0.9. Result Qualitative and clinical assessment failed to detect residual block in 29.7% of patients in the neostigmine reversal cohort (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 29.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7 to 5,559.5, p-value = 0.002). No residual block was detected in the sugammadex reversal cohort. A correlation between increasing patient weight and incidence of postoperative residual block was observed in the neostigmine cohort (aOR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.10, p-value = 0.002). Conclusion Qualitative and/or clinical assessment of neuromuscular block inadequately detects residual block following neostigmine antagonism.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Central Core Disease Undergoing Thoracoscopic Lung Resection: The Importance of Neuromuscular Monitoring at the Masseter Muscle.

Central core disease is a rare muscular disorder in which anesthetic considerations for the prevention of malignant hyperthermia and for avoidance of residual neuromuscular block are required. A 63-year-old woman with central core disease underwent thoracoscopic sublobar lung resection under total IV anesthesia with a prepared anesthetic workstation. The rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block was monitored by using acceleromyography at the left adductor pollicis muscle and the right masseter muscle. The recovery of neuromuscular block at the masseter was slower than that at the adductor pollicis. The patient showed no symptoms of malignant hyperthermia and residual neuromuscular block and had an uneventful postoperative course. In the present case, malignant hyperthermia was successfully prevented with general anesthesia that is free of triggering agents using a prepared anesthetic machine. The authors speculate that the masseter may be an auxiliary site for neuromuscular monitoring to ensure recovery from neuromuscular block in patients with central core disease.

Residual Neuromuscular Block Remains a Safety Concern for Perioperative Healthcare Professionals: A Comprehensive Review.

Residual neuromuscular block (RNMB) remains a significant safety concern for patients throughout the perioperative period and is still widely under-recognized by perioperative healthcare professionals. Current literature suggests an association between RNMB and an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, a prolonged length of stay in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU), and decreased patient satisfaction. The 2023 American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Monitoring and Antagonism of Neuromuscular Blockade provide guidance for the use of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring coupled with neuromuscular reversal to recognize and reduce the incidence of RNMB. Using sugammadex for the reversal of neuromuscular block as well as quantitative neuromuscular monitoring to quantify the degree of neuromuscular block may significantly reduce the risk of RNMB among patients undergoing general anesthesia. Studies are forthcoming to investigate how using neuromuscular blocking agent reversal with quantitative monitoring of the neuromuscular block may further improve perioperative patient safety.

Evaluation of a three-axial acceleromyography monitor in dogs compared with mechanomyography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ratio of the train-of-four (TOF) and double burst stimulation (DBS) obtained with three-axial acceleromyography (AMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) in dogs during recovery from a rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of six intact healthy adult male Beagle dogs, weighing 9.1 ± 1.9 kg and aged 3-5 years. METHODS: Dogs were anesthetized with intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine and propofol, and isoflurane in oxygen. Neuromuscular function was measured with AMG and MMG in the contralateral thoracic limbs. Rocuronium (0.5 mg kg-1) was administered IV, and the TOF and DBS ratios measured. During neuromuscular block offset, MMG values were recorded when AMG first reached ratios of 0.9 and 1.0. True recovery from neuromuscular block was determined as MMG ratio ≥ 0.9. The false-positive (AMG ≥ 0.9 or 1.0, and MMG ratio < 0.9) rate was determined. Paired values were compared, and bias and limits of agreement were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created. RESULTS: When AMG first reached 0.9 and 1.0 during recovery, MMG values were lower (p < 0.040). When AMG reached 0.9, the false-positive rate was 29% with TOF and 27% with DBS. It decreased to 12% (TOF) and 11% (DBS) when a ratio of 1.0 was used. AMG values were higher than paired MMG values (p < 0.001). The AMG overestimated MMG by 24% and 22% for TOF and DBS, respectively. Areas under the ROC curves (95% confidence interval) were 0.91 (0.89, 0.94) and 0.86 (0.81, 0.94) for TOF and DBS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: and clinical relevance The three-axial AMG monitor overestimated neuromuscular function and, in some cases, indicated adequate recovery despite the MMG ratio being < 0.9. A TOF or DBS ratio of at least 1.0 should be considered when monitoring recovery of neuromuscular block with this AMG device.

Rate of residual neuromuscular block using single-dose rocuronium in general anesthesia for ENT surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: NMB facilitates intubating conditions in general anesthesia. However, it is associated with significant residual postoperative paralysis and morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the rate of underdiagnosed residual NMB based on two TOFR criteria (< 0.91 and < 1.00). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study adhering to STROBE guidelines. We included patients undergoing ENT surgery using single-dose neuromuscular block for balanced general anesthesia from June to December 2018. We collected demographic and anthropometric data, ASA score, NMBA dose, TOFR recordings at 5, 30 and 60 min and end of the surgery, anesthesia and surgery time, and administration of reversal agent. Statistical analysis included descriptive and dispersion measures statistics, curve and cross tables for residual NMB on different TOFR criteria with sub-analysis for AR, RR, and OR in patients over 65 years old. RESULTS: We included 57 patients, mean age 41; 43 females and 14 males. Mean anesthetic and surgical time were 139.4 and 116.1 min, respectively. All the patients received rocuronium under a mean ponderal single-dose of 0.48 mg/kg. Residual NMB rates were 29.9 and 49.1% for a TOFR < 0.91 and < 1.00, respectively. Older adults had an OR of 6.08 for residual NMB. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of residual NMB was 29.9 to 49.1%, depending on the criteria used (TOFR < 0.91 and < 1.00, respectively). Patients above 65 years old had an increased risk of residual NMB (6.08 OR) and clinical symptoms related to residual NMB (11.75 OR). We recommend future research aiming to provide a specific surveillance protocol for patients above 65 years old, including shorter-action NMB, early reversal, and prolonged surveillance using the TOFR criteria of < 1.00 to identify patients at risk of residual NMB readily.

Residual neuromuscular block in the postanesthesia care unit: incidence, risk factors, and effect of neuromuscular monitoring and reversal agents.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of residual neuromuscular block (RNMB) in a tertiary care hospital. Secondary goals were to examine the characteristics of the use of intraoperative neuromuscular monitoring (NMM) and different reversal agents by the attending anesthesiologists, and to determine the factors related to the patient and perioperative processes on the development of RNMB. METHODS: The patients' arrival time at the postanesthesia care unit was accepted as point zero (T0). The acceleromyography of the patients' adductor pollicis muscle was monitored for NMM. Train of four ratios (TOFRs) were recorded at 0, 10, 20, and 30 min. A TOFR < 0.9 was defined as RNMB. Patients' demographic and perioperative data were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 216 patients completed the study. RNMB was observed in 47 patients (21.8%). Seventy-eight patients (36%) were followed up with NMM. Neostigmine and sugammadex were used in 174 (80.5%) and 42 (19.5%) patients, respectively, and they were both underdosed (21.2 ± 3.0 mcg/kg and 1.5 ± 0.7 mg/kg, respectively). Use of neostigmine and absence of NMM were risk factors for RNMB (p: 0.01 and 0.001, respectively) along with the number of additional doses (>1 doses, p ≤ 0.02) and the timing of the last dose of rocuronium (<88 min, p ≤ 0.01). None of the patients who received both NMM and sugammadex experienced RNMB. DISCUSSION: The RNMB incidence was found to be 21.8%. The main reasons of it were the lack of intraoperative NMM and inappropriate use of reversal agents. Despite strong recommendations, the use of NMM is still insufficient and reversal agents are still underdosed.

Dynamometer based hand grip strength as a clinical tool for objective assessment of post-operative residual muscle weakness.

Background and Aims: Residual neuromuscular block continues to be a significant postoperative complication despite neuromuscular monitoring. This study aims to determine the applicability of a hand-held forced dynamometer for hand grip strength assessment as an objective measure of residual muscle weakness. Methods: The study included patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. A demonstration was given to the patient on the usage of a dynamometer for handgrip strength and a peak expiratory flow meter for peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and baseline values were recorded. The parameters were monitored at 15 minutes post-extubation and again at intervals of 15 minutes until one hour, half-hourly until four hours, and hourly until six hours post-operatively. Paired t-test was used for comparison of baseline muscle strength and PEFR with the parameters at different time points. Association between muscle strength and PEFR was tested with the Pearson-correlation test. Results: Muscle strength was 50 to 60%, 75% and 100% of baseline at 15, 45 and 210 minutes after extubation, respectively. PEFR was 50 to 60%, 75% and 100% of baseline at 15, 60 and 180 minutes after extubation. The Pearson-correlation test established a positive correlation between handgrip strength and PEFR (correlation-coefficient 0.86). Conclusion: A significant reduction in the postoperative muscle strength can be detected using an objective forced dynamometer to measure handgrip strength even when train of four count has returned to unity and even when there are no clinical signs of muscle weakness. The residual muscle weakness is significant enough to affect the PEFR in the postoperative period.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents and Monitoring in China: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Current Management.

Background: Little is known about the recent use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and monitoring in China. This paper presents the results of a nationwide survey conducted to obtain information regarding the current management of NMBAs in China. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to Chinese anesthesiologists inviting them to participate in the study. The questionnaire was available through the wenjuanxing website, and the link was sent to 1,488 anesthesiologists using the Wechat mini app. Results: The web-based survey consisted of 28 questions, and data were collected using an online tool. Between May 19, 2021 and June 16, 2021, 637 responses were collected (response rate = 42.8%). Only 10.2% of anesthesiologists reported using neuromuscular function monitors, and 6.59% of respondents reported that they had the relevant monitors in the operating room. Conclusion: Although PORC is a potential safety issue, the frequency of using reversal agents and monitors remains extremely low in China. Surveys such as this are important to understand the use and application customs of NMBAs in China.

The use of sugammadex in an infant with prolonged neuromuscular blockade - A case report.

BACKGROUND: Residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) is a frequent event after general anesthesia, which can lead to serious complications, such as upper airway obstruction. Sugammadex is useful in reversing RNMB. However, its use in infants has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, anesthesiologists can be hesitant use it, even in situations where no other choice is available. CASE: A two-month-old baby presented to the hospital for umbilical polypectomy. At the end of the surgery, neostigmine was administered. Even after waiting for 30 min and injecting an additional dose of neostigmine, neuromuscular blockade was not adequately reversed. Eventually, sugammadex was administered, and spontaneous breathing returned. CONCLUSIONS: If there were no particular causes of delayed return to spontaneous breathing in infants, RNMB should be considered and reversal with sugammadex would be useful.

Neuromuscular monitoring during general anaesthesia: a review of current national and international guidelines.

Background: The extent to which neuromuscular monitoring is included in professional anaesthesia society guidelines is unclear. Our aim was to comprehensively review neuromuscular monitoring guidelines published by these societies. Methods: National societies were identified using the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists' member list and further manual searches were undertaken to identify multinational societies and specialist medical colleges. A web search and secondary literature search were conducted to locate guidelines for monitoring during anaesthesia. The income of each nation or group of nations was determined using the World Bank classification. Results: Forty guidelines were identified. Of 38 nations or classifiable groups of nations, 25 (66%) were high-income nations and 13 (34%) were middle-income nations. Neuromuscular monitoring was mentioned in 36 (90%) of the 40 guidelines. Availability of neuromuscular monitoring was mentioned in 17 (47%) guidelines (mandated in eight [47%] and recommended in nine [53%]). Use of neuromuscular monitoring was mentioned in 26 (72%) guidelines (mandated in three [12%] and recommended in 23 [88%]). Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring was specified in nine (25%) of the guidelines, with the type of monitoring unspecified in the remaining 27 (75%) of the 36 guidelines. Quantitative monitoring was only mandated in one guideline, and this was only when monitoring equipment was available. Conclusions: We identified a gap in the availability of professional anaesthesia society neuromuscular monitoring guidelines, particularly in middle- and low-income nations. Recommendations about availability, use and type of monitoring varied among guidelines. An effort to improve the availability and consistency of guidelines is required.

Epidemiology and outcomes of residual neuromuscular blockade: A systematic review of observational studies.

OBJECTIVES: Complete reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) is important for patient safety and prognosis following surgical procedures involving NMB agents (NMBAs). Published evidence on the epidemiology and consequences of residual neuromuscular blockade (rNMB; incomplete neuromuscular recovery) in real-world clinical settings is lacking with advances in NMB management. Therefore, we aimed to examine the burden of rNMB and its associated clinical, economic and humanistic outcomes using a systematic review framework. REVIEW METHODS: Electronic and conference database searches were performed to include observational studies examining rNMB or related outcomes in adults undergoing surgery and receiving NMBAs with or without NMBA antagonists. RESULTS: Of 1438 screened abstracts, 58 studies with 25,277 total patients were included. Inconsistent definitions of rNMB were reported across studies with 44 (76%) and 29 (50%) studies utilizing quantitative and qualitative measures to detect rNMB, respectively. The most common definition of rNMB was train-of-four ratio (TOFR) <0.9 (29 studies) and TOFR <0.7 (16 studies) measured at post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) entry. For TOFR <0.9 at PACU entry, rNMB incidence ranged from 0% to 90.5% (median 30%) overall; 0% to 16.0% in the sugammadex (SUG) group; 3.5% to 90.5% in the neostigmine (NEO) group; and 15% to 89% in the spontaneous recovery (SR) group. Twenty-one studies reported clinical outcomes (reintubation, mild hypoxemia, or a respiratory event) or resource utilization outcomes (hospital/PACU length of stay [LOS]) by presence/absence of rNMB. Patients with rNMB had higher rates of acute respiratory events compared to those without rNMB. CONCLUSIONS: Real-world observational studies show a significant burden of rNMB and associated health sequelae, though rNMB measures were not reported consistently across studies. Appropriate quantitative measurement is needed to accurately identify rNMB, and interventions are needed to reduce its burden and associated adverse outcomes.

A retrospective observational study of neuromuscular monitoring practice in 30,430 cases from six Danish hospitals.

Timely application of objective neuromuscular monitoring can avoid residual neuromuscular blockade. We assessed the frequency of objective neuromuscular monitoring with acceleromyography and the last recorded train-of-four ratio in a cohort of Danish patients. We extracted data from all patients receiving general anaesthesia from November 2014 to November 2016 at six hospitals in the Zealand Region of Denmark. Acceleromyography was available in all operating rooms and data were recorded automatically. The primary outcome measure was acceleromyography use in patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents, divided into non-depolarising agents and succinylcholine only. The dataset included 76,743 cases, of which 30,430 received a neuromuscular blocking drug. Non-depolarising drugs were used in 16,525 (54%) and succinylcholine as the sole drug in 13,905 (46%) cases. Acceleromyography was used in 14,463 (88%) patients who received a non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking drug and in 4224 (30%) receiving succinylcholine alone. Acceleromyography use varied between the departments from 58% to 99% for non-depolarising drugs and from 3% to 79% for succinylcholine alone. The median (IQR [range]) of the last recorded train-of-four ratio before tracheal extubation was 0.97 (0.90-1.06 [0.01-2.20]) when non-depolarising drugs were used, and was less than 0.9 in 22% of cases. The OR for oxygen desaturation was higher with the use of succinylcholine [2.51 (95%CI 2.33-2.70) p < 0.001] and non-depolarising drugs [2.57 (95%CI 2.32-2.84) p < 0.001] as compared with cases where no neuromuscular blockade drug was used. In conclusion, acceleromyography was almost always used in cases where non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs were used, but a train-of-four ratio of 0.9 was not always achieved. Monitoring was used in less than 30% of cases where succinylcholine was the sole drug used.

Effect of reversal of deep neuromuscular block with sugammadex or moderate block by neostigmine on shoulder pain in elderly patients undergoing robotic prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: For some laparoscopic procedures, deep neuromuscular block has been shown to facilitate lower insufflation pressures and lower patient pain scores, and enhance postoperative recovery. We investigated the impact of deep neuromuscular block and its reversal on postoperative shoulder pain and outcomes after robotic prostate surgery. METHODS: Elderly men undergoing robotic prostatectomy were randomised to deep neuromuscular block (target post-tetanic twitch of 1-2 at the facial nerve) with sugammadex reversal or moderate neuromuscular block (target 1-2 train-of-four ratio) with neostigmine reversal. The primary endpoint was postoperative shoulder pain. The secondary endpoints included intraoperative insufflation pressure, surgical rating score, incidence of residual neuromuscular block, and postoperative recovery. RESULTS: A total of 50 subjects for each treatment arm were included in the analysis. The degree of neuromuscular block had no effect on the incidence of shoulder pain (deep block group 12% vs moderate block group 10%; P=1.0) or average insufflation pressure (median [inter-quartile range]) (13.3 [12.5-13.6] mm Hg vs 13.3 [11.7-14] mm Hg, P=0.86). After surgery, the deep block group had a higher normalised train-of-four ratio (0.98 [0.79-1.11] vs 0.85 [0.74-1.00]; P=0.008). The presence of postoperative shoulder pain was associated with higher BMI (31.8 [28-33.9] kg m-2vs 28 [24.8-31.1] kg m-2; P=0.036) and longer insufflation time (186 [156-257] min vs 154 [126-198] min; P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: The use of deep neuromuscular block during surgery does not decrease postoperative shoulder pain or enhance recovery after robotic prostatectomy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03210376.

International survey of neuromuscular monitoring in two European countries: a questionnaire study among Hungarian and Romanian anaesthesiologists.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that objective neuromuscular monitoring and pharmacological reversal of neuromuscular block reduces the occurrence of residual muscle paralysis in the acute postoperative phase. However, objective neuromuscular monitoring is not a routine habit in anaesthesia. In order to change this situation, we wished to find out, as a first step to improvement, the current use of neuromuscular monitors and the custom of anaesthetists for reversal of neuromuscular block before tracheal extubation. METHODS: A ten-point questionnaire was available via the Surveymonkey website and the link was sent to 2202 Hungarian and Romanian anaesthetists by email. RESULTS: Three hundred and two (13.7%) of the 2202 registered anaesthetists responded. Less than 10% of them regularly use neuromuscular monitors. They underestimated the occurrence of residual block; only 2.2% gave a correct answer. Neuromuscular monitors are available in 74% of hospitals but are scarcely used. One third of anaesthetists rarely or never use reversal; approximately 20% regularly reverse before extubation. The responders typically believe that clinical signs of residual block are reliable. Instead of monitoring, they use the "timing methods" for tracheal extubation such as time elapsed from last dose, the duration of action of relaxant, the number of top-up doses, the cumulative dose, the return of adequate respiratory tidal volume and the ability to sustain a 5 s head lift. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that neuromuscular monitoring in these two European countries is suboptimal as is the reversal strategy. Given the fact that monitors are available in the hospitals, the mentality should be changed towards evidence based practice.

Reevaluation and update on efficacy and safety of neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

Postoperative residual neuromuscular block is a serious threat which endangers the patient safety. Neostigmine has been the most commonly used anticholinesterase for the pharmacological reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Although newer agents have been introduced recently, neostigmine has some irreplaceable advantages, including broad-spectrum reversal of all nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs, low cost, and availability of more related data for clinical practice to refer to. Neostigmine is also noticed to have some drawbacks, such as the inability to reverse profound and deep blockade, potential induction of muscle weakness, cardiovascular adverse effects, and so on. Data on the usage of neostigmine in the geriatric and the pediatric population are still insufficient. Some discrepancies are observed in the results from previous studies which need further investigation. However, recent studies offer some renewed information. Regarding both efficacy and safety, the key for successful reversal of neuromuscular blockade is to use neostigmine "appropriately," optimizing the dosage and timing of administration under close monitoring.