Comparing Remifentanil and Rocuronium for Video Laryngoscopy-Assisted Tracheal Intubation During General Anaesthesia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different drugs, remifentanil and rocuronium, on conditions during video laryngoscopy-assisted tracheal intubation in patients undergoing general anaesthesia. The study aims to compare the safety and intubation success between using a neuromuscular blocking agent rocuronium and an opioid remifentanil for muscle relaxation during intubation. This research is important because airway management complications remain a leading cause of anaesthesia-related problems, and newer techniques like video laryngoscopy have improved intubation ease but lack clear evidence on the best drug method to optimize conditions. Participants will receive either a bolus of remifentanil or rocuronium at the start of anaesthesia. For those under 70 years old, remifentanil is given as 4 micrograms per kilogram of ideal body weight, and for those 70 or older, 2 micrograms per kilogram. Rocuronium is administered as a 0.6 milligram per kilogram bolus at anaesthesia induction. The study uses a quadruple-masked randomized design and compares the two arms to assess their effects on intubation conditions using video laryngoscopy. During the study, researchers will monitor for intubation or anaesthesia-related adverse events within 24 hours, and the success of first-pass intubation two minutes after drug administration. Additional assessments include patient satisfaction after 24 hours, serious adverse events within seven days, and length of stay in the post-anaesthesia care unit up to 48 hours after surgery. The study is planned to start in November 2025 and continue until April 2027, involving adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Remifentanil Versus Rocuronium for Optimizing Video Laryngoscopy-assisted Tracheal Intubation