BACKGROUND To compare the intubating conditions achieved in patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia in General surgery,ENT,Orthopaedic procedures withSuxamethonium or Rocuronium bromide in 60 seconds and their complications in both groups. Endotracheal intubation is necessary for giving general anaesthesia. Suxamethonium a depolarizing muscle relaxant has been widely used because of its ideal intubating condition within 60 seconds. Rocuronium bromide a non depolarizing muscle relaxant has been found to produce adequate depth for intubation thereby avoiding dangerous complications associated with suxamethonium.

METHODS 100 patients of ASA I &II were divided randomly into two groups undergoing elective surgeries. GROUP I – SUXAMETHONIUM (1.5 mg/kg) GROUP II - ROCURONIUM (1mg/kg)

RESULTS The intubating condition was excellent in GROUP I (SUXAMETHONIUM)when compared to GROUP II (ROCURONIUM) in 60 seconds.

DISCUSSION Findings were comparable with the study conducted by Cooper et al,(1992). Rocuronium used at adose of 0.6 mg/kg produced excellent intubating conditions in 60%of patients compared to 95% in patients receiving Suxamethonium .In our study it was found when Rocuronium used at the dose of 1mg/kg produced excellent intubating condition in 52% of patients compared to 84% in patients receiving Suxamethonium.

CONCLUSION Suxamethonium provides ideal intubating conditions very rapidly than RocuroniumbutRocuronium also provides intubating condition that are acceptable for earlier establishment of airway with minimal injury at 60 seconds at a dose of 1mg/kg near equivalent to Suxamethonium.HenceRocuronium can be used as an alternative when suxamethonium is contraindicated for rapid intubation but not if anticipated difficult airway is present.