Impact of Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine on Early Postoperative Pulmonary Function

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07309393

Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China240 enrolled

Overview

Residual neuromuscular blockade (NMB) after general anesthesia increases the risk of postoperative respiratory complications (atelectasis, pneumonia, re-intubation) and delays pulmonary function recovery. Sugammadex, a γ-cyclodextrin that directly encapsulates rocuronium, reverses NMB rapidly and completely without cholinergic side effects, whereas neostigmine requires co-administration of an antimuscarinic and may leave residual blockade. In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 240 adult patients (ASA I-III) undergoing elective thoracoscopic lung resection (≤ 1 segment) will be randomized 1:1 to receive sugammadex (2 mg/kg) or neostigmine (0.03 mg/kg) + atropine (0.015 mg/kg) at the end of surgery. The primary endpoint is the percent decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) at 1 hour post-extubation compared to preoperative baseline; a ≥ 5% improvement with sugammadex is hypothesized. Secondary endpoints include FEV₁ at days 1-3, pain scores, opioid consumption, gastrointestinal recovery, quality of recovery (QoR-15), neuromuscular monitoring (TOF ratio), and incidence of postoperative pulmonary and surgical complications.

Detailed Description: Background: Thoracoscopic lung surgery requires general anesthesia with double-lumen endotracheal intubation and muscle relaxants to facilitate lung isolation and surgical exposure. Residual neuromuscular blockade after surgery can cause complications such as airway obstruction, atelectasis, pneumonia, prolonged PACU stay, and reduced patient satisfaction. Neostigmine, a commonly used acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, reverses neuromuscular blockade by increasing acetylcholine but may cause cholinergic side effects, requiring atropine co-administration. Sugammadex, a γ-cyclodextrin compound, encapsulates and inactivates rocuronium directly, reversing blockade without affecting cholinergic receptors and avoiding related adverse events. Sugammadex can also shorten operation time and improve turnover efficiency in thoracoscopic surgery. Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects of sugammadex and neostigmine on early postoperative pulmonary function recovery in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection, providing reliable clinical data to improve surgical management and enhance recovery. Design: Patients planned for unilateral thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy will be randomized 1:1 to receive either sugammadex or neostigmine plus atropine for reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade at the end of surgery. Pulmonary function will be assessed using a portable spirometer before surgery and at postoperative 1 hour, 1 to 3 days, or before discharge. Other outcomes including postoperative pain, opioid consumption, gastrointestinal recovery, incidence of nausea/vomiting, quality of recovery (QoR-15 scale) will be evaluated.

Interventions

SugammadexDRUG

Sugammadex is administered intravenously at a dose of 2 mg/kg for reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade at the end of unilateral thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy surgery. The drug is prepared by an independent anesthesia nurse, diluted in normal saline to a total volume of 10 mL in an identical syringe to maintain blinding. Administration occurs when the patient shows signs of awakening (e.g., TOF ratio 0.4-0.9 or full awakening). This is a single-dose intervention given once at the conclusion of surgery. Associated with the Sugammadex Group (experimental arm).

NeostigmineDRUG

Neostigmine (0.03 mg/kg) combined with atropine (0.015 mg/kg) is administered intravenously for reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade at the end of unilateral thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy surgery. The drugs are prepared by an independent anesthesia nurse, diluted in normal saline to a total volume of 10 mL in an identical syringe to maintain blinding. Administration occurs when the patient shows signs of awakening (e.g., TOF ratio 0.4-0.9 or full awakening). This is a single-dose intervention given once at the conclusion of surgery. Associated with the Neostigmine Group (active comparator arm).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Scheduled for elective unilateral thoracoscopic partial lung resection, with expected resection not exceeding one lung segment. * Age between 18 and 80 years. * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status classification I-III. Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to drug use, such as history of allergy, epilepsy, angina, ventricular tachycardia; contraindicated in patients with mechanical intestinal obstruction or urinary tract obstruction; contraindicated in cases of arrhythmia, bradycardia (\<50 beats per minute), hypotension, or increased vagal tone; contraindicated in patients currently using depolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g., succinylcholine). * Inability to correctly cooperate with portable lung function testing. * Hepatic or renal insufficiency. * Pregnancy, lactation, potential for pregnancy, or planning pregnancy. * Preoperative history of drug abuse or addiction. * Actual surgical resection exceeding one lung segment. * Second surgery during postoperative hospitalization. * Patients who refuse to participate.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) from Baseline to 1 Hour Postoperatively

The percentage decline in FEV1 (measured using a portable spirometer) at 1 hour after unilateral thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy surgery, compared to the preoperative baseline value. FEV1 represents the volume of air exhaled in the first second of a forced expiratory maneuver. The decline is calculated as \[(preoperative FEV1 - postoperative FEV1) / preoperative FEV1\] × 100%. A smaller decline indicates better early postoperative pulmonary function recovery.

Time frame: Preoperative (baseline, within 7 days before surgery) and 1 hour postoperative.

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) from Baseline to Later Postoperative Time Points

The percentage decline in FEV1 (measured using a portable spirometer) at postoperative day 1-3 or before discharge, compared to the preoperative baseline value. FEV1 represents the volume of air exhaled in the first second of a forced expiratory maneuver. The decline is calculated as \[(preoperative FEV1 - postoperative FEV1) / preoperative FEV1\] × 100%. A smaller decline indicates better postoperative pulmonary function recovery.

Time frame: Preoperative (baseline, within 7 days before surgery) and postoperative day 1-3 or before discharge.

Postoperative Pain Score

Postoperative pain intensity assessed using the Verbal Response Scale (VRS), the score ranges from 0 to 10, with a total of 11 numbers corresponding to different pain levels: 0 indicates no pain; 1-3 indicates mild pain (tolerable and does not affect sleep); 4-6 indicates moderate pain (significant, affects sleep, and requires medication for relief); and 7-10 indicates severe pain (intense, intolerable, and severely affects life).

Time frame: Postoperative 1 hour and postoperative day 1-3.