Between September, 1998 and April, 2000 we performed a study to compare suxamethonium and mivacurium in 140 general anaesthesia procedures for diagnostic and interventional bronchoscopic procedures using normal-frequency jet ventilation. Eighty patients were randomized to receive suxamethonium, sixty patients were randomized for mivacurium use. Laryngeal muscles relaxation was comparable in both groups. The lower frequency of complication was in the mivacurium group; the complications were also less severe. Financial burden associated with one general anaesthesia of 24 minutes duration was comparable in both groups. Regarding the above mentioned results, and especially with respect to the short and short-term effect of mivacurium, this neuromuscular blocking agent can be recommended for use in similar patients.

        Key words: general anaesthesia in bronchology - short-term neuromuscular blocking agents - jet ventilation