A Case of Respiratory Arrest After Lung Cancer Surgery due to Recurarization of Rocuronium Bromide.

Sugammadex has been widely used to reverse rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade. Despite apparent complete postoperative recovery, recurrence of neuromuscular blockade (recurarization) has been reported. An 82-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung underwent left upper lobectomy. However, 35 min after returning to the ward, he suddenly developed respiratory arrest. Chest radiography and head computed tomography revealed no abnormalities. He recovered promptly after re-administration of sugammadex. To our knowledge, this report has been the first to describe recurarization following lung cancer surgery. However, given that many lung cancer patients are elderly and have multiple comorbidities, the possibility of recurarization of neuromuscular blockade needs to be considered. Accordingly, a neuromuscular blockade antagonist should be readily available to manage unexpected adverse respiratory outcomes after surgery.