muscle relaxation for general anaesthesia

Last reviewed 06/2021

Muscular relaxation is an inherent part of modern, balanced anaesthesia. This enables adequate relaxation of the muscles of the abdomen and the diaphragm, so preventing resistance to ventilation and permitting abdominal surgery. Conversely, the patient who has received muscle relaxants should always be ventilated.

Relaxation of the muscles of the vocal cords also facilitates intubation. Neuromuscular blockade is also a requisite for electroconvulsive shock therapy.