RELAXATION OF THE CRICOPHARYNGEAL SPHINCTER BY SUXAMETHONIUM

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Abstract
The pattern of relaxation of the cricopharyngeal sphincter by suxamethonium was studied in fifty patients. The pattern was variable, but a large percentage of the cases showed an abrupt initial fall in cricopharyngeal sphincteric tone concomitant with, or just preceding, the onset of fasciculations, although relaxation often only reached completion after fasciculations had ceased. Of twenty-three who exhibited marked or very marked fasciculations only three showed an increase in cricopharyngeal sphincteric tone during the fasciculations. The significance of the changes in the tone of the cricopharyngeal sphincter with respect to the possible reflux of oesophageal contents into the pharynx is discussed.

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