The wake‐up test (WKT) is an important intraoperative method for assessing spinal cord function during scoliosis surgery, particularly in settings where intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is unavailable. This short case series describes seven patients undergoing scoliosis surgery with a modified wake‐up test (mWKT). Sugammadex was used to reverse neuromuscular blockade to facilitate motor assessment. All patients were able to follow commands and demonstrate lower‐limb movement during the test. The duration of mWKT ranged from 15 to 35 min and decreased with increasing procedural familiarity. One patient required naloxone due to delayed recovery. Importantly, no episodes of bradycardia or clinically significant hemodynamic instability were observed following sugammadex administration. Only one patient reported limited postoperative recall. This case series suggests that the WKT remains a feasible and safe alternative when IONM is unavailable. Sugammadex may facilitate more efficient neuromuscular recovery and improve procedural control.
Ta et al. (Thu,) studied this question.