Effect of sugammadex on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with respiratory dysfunction after laparoscopic gastric or intestinal surgery: A retrospective study

Abstract Background Use of sugammadex is associated with fewer postoperative pulmonary complications. This study investigated the relationship between sugammadex and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) in specific patients with respiratory dysfunction. Methods The authors reviewed the electronic medical and anesthesia records of patients with respiratory dysfunction who had laparoscopic gastric or intestinal surgery at a single center between May 01, 2018, and December 31, 2019. The patients were divided into the sugammadex group and the non-sugammadex group, based on whether or not they received sugammadex. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to characterize the differences in incidence of PPC. Results A total of 112 patients were included, of which 46 patients (41.07%) received sugammadex. In the logistic regression analysis, the incidences of PPC were fewer in the sugammadex group. Postoperative fever [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.330; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.137–0.793, p = 0.0213], postoperative ICU admission (OR 0.204; 95% CI 0.065 to 0.644, p = 0.007), cough (OR 0.143; 95% CI 0.061 to 0.333, p < 0.001), pleural effusion (all) (OR: 0.280; 95% CI 0.104 to 0.759, p = 0.012), pleural effusion (massive) (OR: 0.142; 95% CI 0.031 to 0.653, p = 0.012), and difficulty in breathing (OR: 0.111; 95% CI 0.014 to 0.849, p = 0.039) showed significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions Sugammadex-mediated reversal of neuromuscular blockade can reduce the PPC in patients with respiratory dysfunction.