Large vein injection alleviates rocuronium-induced pain in gynaecologic patients.

Background: Rocuronium-induced pain upon injection is very common in the clinical setting. Using the antecubital rather than the hand vein can avoid pain due to propofol injection. We aimed to investigate whether the use of the antecubital vein for injection would alleviate rocuronium-induced pain in a similar fashion.

Methods: Sixty patients (ASA classes I and II) scheduled for gynaecologic laparoscopy were randomised into two groups. Rocuronium (0.6mg/kg) was injected either into the vein on the dorsum of the hand (group D) or a large vein in the antecubital fossa (group A). Pain was assessed and recorded using a four-point scale.

Results: Compared with group D, the incidence of pain and severe pain was lower in group A patients. The rate of no pain was also higher in group A patients.

Conclusion: The incidence and severity of rocuronium-induced injection pain were significantly alleviated via use of a large vein for rocuronium injection.