Introduction of sugammadex as standard reversal agent: Impact on the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade and postoperative patient outcome.

Background: The aim of this prospective audit was to investigate clinical practice related to muscle relaxant reversal and the impact made by the recent introduction of sugammadex on patient outcome at a tertiary teaching hospital.

Methods: Data from all patients intubated at our institution during two epochs of seven consecutive days each was collected prospectively. Directly prior to extubation, the train-of-four (TOF) ratio was assessed quantitatively by an independent observer.

Cardiopulmonary aspects of anaesthesia for the elderly.

Normal ageing of the cardiopulmonary system overlaps with the development of cardiovascular disease. It is characterised by changes which decrease cardiovascular reserve through senescent changes in myocardial function and volumes. These changes are compounded by co-existing cardiovascular disease, multisystem co-morbidities and polypharmacy.