Comparison of the Effect of Rocuronium and Succinylcholine on Intraocular Pressure During General Anaesthesia

Abstract

Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical parameter in ocular surgeries, particularly in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Both rocuronium and succinylcholine are commonly used neuromuscular blocking agents during intubation, but they differ in their effects on IOP. Succinylcholine, a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, has been shown to transiently increase IOP, while rocuronium, a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, may not affect IOP to the same extent. This study aims to compare the effects of rocuronium and succinylcholine on IOP during general anesthesia in patients undergoing elective surgeries.

Methods: A randomized, controlled study was conducted with 60 patients scheduled for elective surgeries requiring general anesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) or succinylcholine (1.0 mg/kg) for endotracheal intubation. IOP was measured before administration of the neuromuscular blocker, immediately after intubation, and 5 minutes after intubation. The data were analyzed to determine the differences in IOP between the two groups.

Results: Patients who received succinylcholine showed a significant increase in IOP immediately after intubation, whereas those who received rocuronium showed no significant change. The mean change in IOP was significantly higher in the succinylcholine group compared to the rocuronium group.

Conclusion: Succinylcholine causes a transient increase in intraocular pressure, while rocuronium has a minimal effect on IOP. Therefore, rocuronium may be a preferable choice in patients at risk for elevated intraocular pressure or in ocular surgeries where IOP control is critical.

Keywords: Rocuronium, Succinylcholine, Intraocular Pressure, General Anesthesia, Neuromuscular Blockade, Intubation