Effects of Cisatracurium on Succinylcholine-induced Fasciculations and Myalgia

Purpose: To investigate the effects of different doses of cisatracurium pretreatment on succinylcholine-induced fasciculations and postoperative myalgia. Methods: Ninety patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomies were equally randomized into three groups to receive pretreatment of 0.005, 0.01, and 0.02 mg/kg cisatracurium, respectively. General anesthesia was induced 3.5 min later, train of four stimulation was monitored 4.5 min later, succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg was injected 5 min later, and endotracheal intubation was implemented 6.5 min later. The side effects of cisatracurium, intensity of fasciculations, intubating conditions, time and extent to maximal depression of twitch and time for its recovery to 20% of control value, severity of myalgia at 24 h postoperatively, serum potassium before the induction, at the time of endotracheal intubation, and 5 min after intubation were recorded.