Comparison of Sugammadex Dose for Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Thyroid Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives/Hypothesis To compare effect of 1 and 2 mg/kg of sugammadex on the incidence of intraoperative bucking and intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) quality in thyroid surgery. Study Design Randomized controlled trial. Methods Patients qualified for thyroid surgery with IONM were eligible for this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. After tracheal intubation with 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium, 1 or 2 mg/kg of sugammadex was administered to patients in group I or II, respectively. The quality of the IONM for the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) was evaluated (strong/intermediate/weak). The initial amplitude of electromyography for the vagus nerve (V1) and the recurrent laryngeal nerve (R1) were recorded. Intraoperative bucking movements was recorded. Results A total of 102 patients (51 in each group) completed the study. Time from sugammadex administration to initial checking for the EBSLN was not different between group I and II (25.0 +/- 7.9 vs. 25.5 +/- 9.0 minutes, P = .788). There was no difference in the neuromonitoring quality for the EBSLN between group I and II (strong/intermediate/weak: 46/5/0 vs. 50/1/0, P = .205). The amplitudes of V1 (1,086.3 +/- 673.3 mu V vs. 1,161.8 +/- 727.5 mu V, P = .588) and R1 (1,328.2 +/- 934.1 mu V vs. 1,410.5 +/- 919.6 mu V, P = .655) were comparable between the groups. Patients who experienced bucking were significantly fewer in the group I than the group II (13.7% vs. 35.3%, P = .020). Conclusion A dose of 1 mg/kg sugammadex induced less bucking than 2 m/kg while providing comparable IONM quality during thyroid surgery. Level of Evidence 2. Laryngoscope, 2021