Phase II blockade after a subclinical dose of succinylcholine: importance of neuromuscular monitoring

Neuromuscular monitoring is not a routine practice in clinical settings worldwide. The little interest expressed is mainly because clinicians lack information and documentation, even though the literature on the subject is vast and experts agree that routine monitoring reduces morbidity related to the use of neuromuscular blockers. We report a case of an unusual phase II neuromuscular block from a subclinical dose of succinylcholine. The blockade lasted longer than expected in a patient with diminished plasma cholinesterase activity. We emphasize that monitoring neuromuscular function aided diagnosis and observation of the block during emergency surgery.