Does deep neuromuscular blockade provide improved outcomes in low pressure laparoscopic colorectal surgery? A single blinded randomized pilot study

Abstract

Background: Low intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopic colorectal surgery may improve outcomes and reduce hospital stay, in addition to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. There is concern that low pressure reduces laparoscopic vision and may increase surgical complications. Deep neuromuscular blockade may abrogate any reduction in vision of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. However, antagonism of deep neuromuscular blockade at completion of surgery necessitates the use of sugammadex, which is prohibitively expensive, if there are no surgical benefits and warrants further study. Methods: A single institution, single blinded randomized controlled pilot study was performed com..