Influence of a Single Dose Dexamethasone on the Time Course of Neuromuscular Blockade of Rocuronium

The aim of the present study is to compare the time course of a neuromuscular block in patients receiving dexamethasone 8 mg in order to reduce postoperative nausea or vomiting several hours before surgery with patients receiving the drug immediately before induction of anaesthesia and patients without a dexamethasone prophylaxis. The primary end point is the time from start of injection of rocuronium until recovery to a train of four ratio (TOF ratio) of 0.9.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients aged 18 to 65 years,
• American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I or II,
• 50-90 kg body weight,
• undergoing elective laparoscopic gynaecological surgery in general anaesthesia necessitating intraoperative neuromuscular blockade.

Exclusion Criteria:

• expected difficulties with endotracheal intubation (history of difficult intubation,
• reduced opening of the mouth (< 2cm), and Mallampati Score of 4),
• increased risk of pulmonary aspiration (gastrooesophageal reflux, full stomach, intestinal obstruction),
• known allergies to the drugs tested,
• pregnancy,
• neuromuscular disorders,
• intake of drugs affecting neuromuscular blockade, such as furosemide, magnesium or cephalosporins,
• hepatic-or renal insufficiency.