Comparing the effects of rocuronium-sugammadex and succinylcholine on recovery during electroconvulsive therapy

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of rocuronium-sugammadex and succinylcholine on the recovery and side effects during the electro-convulsive therapy (ECT). Methods: Patients who received at least 6 sessions ECT are involved into this study. For general anesthesia, following 1 mg/kg propofol, rocuronium or succinylcholine were applied. After ECT process, succinylcholine group was left to recovery on its own, but rocuronium group was received 4 mg/kg sugammadeks. Heart rate, mean blood pressure, oxygen saturation, spontaneous breathing time, time of opening eyes, time of obeying the instructions, motor seizure duration, side effects, timing of T1 0% and 90%, Modified Aldrete Scores (MAS) and timing of MAS 9 were recorded. Results: When the groups were compared, time of T1 being 0% in succinylcholine group was meaningfully shorter. Time of T1 being 90% was shorter in rocuronium-sugammadex group. Motor seizure duration was longer in the rocuronium-sugammadex group. After ECT process MAS was found lower in the rocuronium-sugammadex group, timing of MAS 9 was shorter in rocuronium-sugammadex group. Opening eyes, obeying the instructions and spontenous breathing time were shorter in rocuronium-sugammadex group. Conclusion: Use of rocuronium-sugammadex combination provides sufficient muscle relaxation and early recovery during ECT. Rocuronium-sugammadex can be used as an alternative to succinylcholine in ECT.