Remifentanil is a fast-acting opioid pain medication used during surgery. It helps to reduce pain and make intubation (inserting a breathing tube) more comfortable for patients during general anesthesia. The medication’s effects wear off quickly after stopping its administration.

Rocuronium is a muscle relaxant medication used during surgery to temporarily paralyze the muscles. It helps doctors insert breathing tubes more easily by relaxing the muscles in the throat and airways. The medication’s effects can be reversed when needed using specific antidote medications.

Both medications are being compared in this trial to determine which one provides better conditions for inserting breathing tubes using a video laryngoscope (a device with a camera used to guide tube placement) during general anesthesia.

Respiratory Failure – A condition where the respiratory system fails in one or both of its gas exchange functions: oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination. The condition can develop gradually or suddenly, making it difficult for a person to breathe normally. It occurs when the lungs cannot get enough oxygen into the blood or remove enough carbon dioxide from it. The condition can be acute (developing quickly) or chronic (developing over time).

Airway Trauma – An injury to the throat, windpipe, or breathing passages that can occur during medical procedures or accidents. It can affect any part of the upper or lower airway system. The condition can cause breathing difficulties and discomfort. Symptoms may include voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems.

Pulmonary Aspiration – A condition where food, drink, or stomach contents enter the airways instead of going into the esophagus and stomach. This occurs when the normal protective mechanisms of the body fail. The condition can cause inflammation in the lungs and breathing difficulties. It commonly occurs when someone is unconscious or has impaired reflexes.

Bradycardia – A heart condition where the heart beats slower than normal, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute. The slow heart rate may cause insufficient blood flow to the body. Some people with bradycardia may experience fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. The condition can range from mild to severe.

Pneumonia – An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. The infection can be caused by various germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The severity can range from mild to severe.