[Optimum intubating dose of rocuronium for short duration surgery in adult patients].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine optimum intubating dose of rocuronium in adult patients who had been scheduled for short duration surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly assigned to receive rocuronium 0.4 mg x kg(-1), 0.5 mg x kg(-1) or 0.6 mg x kg(-1) during induction with propofol and fentanyl. Immediately after the adduction of thumb to the ulnar nerve stimulation could not be visually observed, the patients were intubated tracheally and the intubating conditions were evaluated. Thereafter, time to recover to train-of-four (TOF) counts of 4 was recorded during sevoflurane and nitrous oxide anesthesia. RESULTS: Intubating conditions after rocuronium 0.5 and 0.6 mg x kg(-1) were all graded either excellent or good. In contrast, inadequate conditions for safe and easy tracheal intubation were observed in 60% of the patients receiving 0.4 mg x kg(-1). Time to spontaneous recover to the TOF counts of 4 correlated with the intubating doses of rocuronium. CONCLUSIONS: For short duration surgeries, rocuronium 0.5 mg x kg(-1) was appropriate to perform safe tracheal intubation and minimize duration of action of rocuronium.