[Atracurium in general surgery].

The particular characteristics of atracurium in comparison with available relaxant agents are briefly analyzed. Afterwards the results of a clinical investigation regarding a group of 56 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery are referred to. The most important elements of this investigation involve: the priming technique, dosage variations of atracurium in respect to the two different administration techniques (further doses, continuous infusion), anticholinesterases need during neuromuscular block reverse and average neuromuscular recovery time without anticholinesterases.