ANAESTHESIA Review Article

Although neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) provide optimal surgical conditions and a reduced incidence of laryngopharyngeal lesions during tracheal intubation, there are evidence of delayed paralysis and higher morbidity and mortality after their use. To date many anesthesiologists do not routinely use objective method to monitor neuromuscular function due to the fact that there are no ideal monitoring devices yet. New devices and techniques, like kinemyography, phonomyography and the cuff method, are introduced in this field in addition to those which are being routinely used. New research point out the great importance of neuromuscular monitoring in everyday practice since it provides enhanced security for the patient. Nowadays objective monitors of neuromuscular function are relatively inexpensive, reliable and easy to use and they should be available whenever neuromuscular blocking drugs are administered.