[Resistance to vecuronium bromide induced muscle relaxation in a patient with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism].

We report resistance to vecuronium bromide (Vb) induced muscle relaxation for general anesthesia in a patient with chronic renal failure (CRF) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). An 81-year-old man (body weight : 52 kg) diagnosed with bladder carcinoma was scheduled for a total cystectomy. In the operating room, standard monitors were applied except for a nerve stimulator. After epidural catheter had been secured, anesthesia was induced with propofol 80 mg and Vb 5 mg. In spite of administration of these drugs and supplying 5% sevoflurane for 4 minutes, spontaneous respiration was observed. Then, propofol 50 mg and Vb 3 mg were added and lidocaine aerosol 8% was sprayed topically to oropharyngolaryngeal structures. No movement of the vocal cord was observed through the laryngoscope and the patient was intubated smoothly, but the patient did cough and move a little. The surgery was concluded uneventfully. Although the total amount of Vb administration was 14 mg in 3 hr anesthesia time, he was awake rapidly and extubated sooner than expected. We suspect that resistance to Vb has been caused in part by secondary HPT and it appears necessary to take care when administering Vb in CRF patients with secondary HPT, especially at the induction of general anesthesia.