Comparison of Sugammadex and Neostigmine During PACU Stay

Sugammadex was approved for post-operative use in the operating room (OR) and post-anesthesia recovery unit (PACU) of our quaternary facility, Tampa General Hospital. The approval came with administrative limitations: 2mg/kg dose only and for the first year its utilization was limited as replacement for up to half of Neostigmine/Glycopyrrolate use. An MUE evaluation was completed for a retrospective chart review from March 2017 to December 2017 (10 months) to assess all cases in which patients received Sugammadex or Neostigmine. During the year of data collection, we also noted a widespread tendency to reduce the usage of narcotics. A t-test comparison of the length of stay (LOS) in the PACU revealed a highly significant difference between the LOS in PACU for both drugs. On average, patients receiving Sugammadex were discharged from the PACU 43 minutes earlier than patients who received Neostigmine/Glycopyrrolate. The patient mix in both groups was similar, but these data were obtained retrospectively by a pharmacy chart review.