Study of Efficacy of Sevoflurane with Rocuronium during Induction in Neurosurgical Patients

Background: Rocuronium provides good intubating conditions but large doses causes prolongation of its duration of action, making it unsuitable for short surgical procedures. Aims: We assessed the efficacy of sevoflurane with rocuronium during induction in terms of reducing the onset time for intubation, evaluating intubating conditions and haemodynamic responses during intubation.Subjects and Methods:This prospective, randomised, double-blind study was conducted in 40 adult patients undergoing lumbar disc operations under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into two equal groups namely Group R (received 0.8 mg/kg of rocuronium) and Group RS (received 0.8 mg/kg of rocuronium and 2% sevoflurane during induction).Results:The two groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, weight and ASA grade. The time for loss of thumb adduction was 101.4 ± 11.2 s in Group R compared with 61.04 ± 5.4 s in Group RS  P < 0.001]. The onset time of intubation was significant P < 0.001]. Significant differences in heart rate and mean arterial pressure were seen immediately after intubation, at 1 and 3 min after intubation (P < 0.05) between the two groups. The mean intubation score was comparable in both the groups is insignificant[P = 0.11].Conclusion:Rocuronium 0.8 mg/kg along with 2% sevoflurane provides rapid sequence intubation during anaesthesia in neurosurgical patients.