Controlled relaxation. I. Quantitation of electromyogram with abdominal relaxation

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Abstract
Twenty-five surgical patients anesthetized with halothane received succinylcholine, curare, or gallamine for abdominal muscle relaxation. Twitch amplitude of the action potential from small muscles of the hand or foot to supramaximal motor nerve stimulation was measured while the surgeon estimated abdominal muscle tone. Minimal neuromuscular block (76% to 100%) transmission) never produced excellent abdominal relaxation. Major neuromuscular block (1% to 25% transmission) by any of the relaxants produced excellent relaxation in 21 (84%) subjects. With profoundblock (5% to 10% transmission), evidenced by only a faint muscle contraction, excellent relaxation was uniformly produced. Depth of neuromuscular block can be clinically monitored with a simple peripheral nerve stimulator. Adjusting muscle relaxant dosage to maintain a faint but perceptible muscle contraction assures maximal operating conditions while avoiding excessive drug administration.

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