Possibilities of estimating the depth of myorelaxation by a frontal electromyogram

: The authors studied the changes occurring in a frontal electromyogram (fEMG) recorded by commercial anesthesia depth monitors (Alaris AEP Monitor/2, Aspect A-2000 XP, and CSM 2) as a criterion for evaluating the reduction of a neuromuscular block. Two hundred and two patients who had undergone various abdominal and colorectal interventions under total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) or combined balanced anesthesia using volatile anesthetics were examined. The findings allow a preliminary conclusion that fEMG shows a moderate diagnostic accuracy in predicting relaxation release particularly under TIVA. fEMG is as a useful complement to clinical criteria for myoplegia management, but it is not an alternative to traditional accelerometry.