Magnesium Sulfate for Prevention of Emergence Agitation in Lumbar Disc Surgery

In this retrospective study, the effect of intraoperative magnesium sulfate infusion on the incidence of postoperative emergence agitation was evaluated in adult patients who underwent elective lumbar microdiscectomy under general anesthesia. The medical records of patients aged 18-70 years with an ASA physical status of I-II were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were evaluated according to whether they received intraoperative magnesium sulfate infusion as part of anesthetic management. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of emergence agitation in the post-anesthesia care unit; this assessment was based on Ramsay Sedation Scale scores recorded in the post-anesthesia care unit at admission and at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative pain scores assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale, intraoperative remifentanil consumption, recovery and extubation times, tramadol requirement in the post-anesthesia care unit, and possible adverse events related to magnesium infusion.

Inclusion Criteria: Age between 18 and 70 years ASA physical status classification I or II Scheduled for elective single-level lumbar microdiscectomy under general anesthesia Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Severe cardiovascular disease History of psychiatric disorder Neuromuscular disease Pregnancy or breastfeeding Hepatic or renal dysfunction Current use of calcium channel blockers, hypnotics, anxiolytics, or antipsychotic medications Known allergy to magnesium sulfate or study-related medications Refusal to participate in the study