Neuromuscular Monitoring : A Review

Residual neuromuscular blockade in the postoperative period contributes to significant morbidity and possibly mortality. The incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade has been shown to decrease with the use of neuromuscular monitoring and short acting neuromuscular blocking drugs. Because of marked variation in patient's sensitivity to neuromuscular blockade, the neuromuscular function of the patient receiving intermediate or long action muscle relaxant should be monitored. This article reviews the basic principles of peripheral nerve stimulation, pattern of nerve stimulation and methods used to evaluate evoked neuromuscular responses.