moderate neuromuscular blockade-Yonsei University-general anesthesia

Moderate neuromuscular blockade (NMB) in the context of the Yonsei University clinical trial refers to a specific anesthetic management protocol for patients undergoing robotic gastrectomy. This regimen involves the continuous intravenous infusion of **rocuronium**, a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, titrated to maintain a moderate depth of paralysis characterized by a Train-of-Four (TOF) count of 1 to 2. Rocuronium functions as a competitive antagonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the motor endplate, preventing the binding of acetylcholine and thereby inhibiting muscle contraction. To ensure safe and rapid recovery of muscle function at the conclusion of the surgical procedure, the blockade is reversed using **sugammadex** at a dose of 2 mg/kg. Sugammadex is a selective relaxant binding agent (SRBA) that encapsulates rocuronium molecules in the plasma, creating a concentration gradient that pulls rocuronium away from the neuromuscular junction. The Yonsei University study specifically evaluates how this moderate level of blockade affects the quality of postoperative recovery (QoR-40) compared to deep NMB.

Other names

Moderate neuromuscular blockadeModerate NMB protocol