The Use of Muscle Relaxants After Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Abstract

Paweł Radkowski,1– 3 Michał Jacewicz,2 Iwona Podlińska,2 Maria Derkaczew2 1Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Regional Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland; 2Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland; 3Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hospital zum Heiligen Geist in Fritzlar, Fritzlar, GermanyCorrespondence: Maria Derkaczew, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland, Email [email protected]: Patients after chemotherapy and radiotherapy while being operated can suffer from different systemic problems, which may complicate the anesthetic management. Some interactions between muscle relaxants and chemotherapeutics can occur.Aim: This article aims to present the use of muscle relaxants in cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Material and Methods: Our work is based on the available literature and the authors’ experience.Conclusion: Based on our observations and a thorough examination of the medical literature, it is advisable to exercise significant caution when employing muscle relaxants in individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. All muscle relaxants can behave differently after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and for this reason, practitioners should familiarize themselves with the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of their chosen muscle relaxant.Keywords: muscle relaxant, chemotherapy, radiotherapy

Keywords

• muscle relaxant
• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy