RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of rocuronium in low doses on conditions during rapid tracheal intubation using video laryngoscope. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients undergoing otolaryngologic surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups: group L using 0.3âmg/kg of rocuronium intravenously (nâ=â49) and group C using 0.6âmg/kg of rocuronium (nâ=â49). Sixty seconds after rocuronium administration, tracheal intubation was performed using a video laryngoscope. The overall intubation condition was evaluated along with specific conditions, including laryngoscopy condition, vocal cord position, and intubation response. Intubation profiles, including Cormack-Lehane grade, 1st attempt success rate, and intubation time, were also evaluated. RESULTS: Overall intubation conditions showed a significant difference between group L and group C (Pâ=â.003). Although the incidence of vigorous response after tracheal intubation was higher in group L than in group C (Pâ=â.022), laryngoscopy condition and vocal cord position were similar between the 2 groups (Pâ=â.145 and .070, respectively). Intubation profiles showed no differences between the 2 groups. The frequency and amount of additional rocuronium administration during surgery were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose rocuronium provided significantly worse overall intubation conditions compared to the conventional dose of rocuronium for rapid tracheal intubation. However, when using a video laryngoscope, it may provide clinically acceptable laryngeal muscle relaxation.