A simple atracurium infusion regimen for intra-abdominal surgery

Atracurium was used to provide relaxation for intra-abdominal surgery in 15 patients. The regimen comprised an initial bolus (0.4 mg kg^-1) followed by an infusion (0.3 mg kg^-1 h^-1) from 10min after induction until closure of the peritoneum. Average duration of infusion was 80 min (range 48-166 min). This regimen provided satisfactory relaxation in 13 patients; two patients required one additional bolus of atracurium. Fourteen patients showed a sustained tetanic response to 50-Hz stimulation at the end of surgery and in these neuromuscular at the end of surgery and in these neuromuscular blockade was not antagonized.One patient required antagonism following very rapid closure of the abdomen.