Dexamethasone, Droperidol or Ondansetron for the prevention of PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of this randomized, double blinded study was to compare the efficacy of administration of droperidol, dexamethasone and ondansetron after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods. 75 patients who underwent a general anaesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy received prior to induction either 1.25 mg droperidol (group 1), 4 mg dexamethasone (group 2), or 4 mg ondansetron (group 3). Postoperatively, nausea, vomiting and the degree of pain (on VAS) were assessed for 24 hours.

Results. PONV occurred in 16 patients (64 %) in group 1, in 5 patients (20 %) in group 2, and in 11 patients (44 %) in group 3 (P 1:2 < 0.05, P 1:3 > 0.05, P 2:3 < 0.05). Regarding the severity of the postoperative pain, the lowest score was in the dexamethasone group, but the results were not statistically significant.

Conclusion. We concluded that compared with droperidol or ondansetron, dexamethasone has a significantly better effect for prevention of PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Key words: nausea, vomiting, droperidol, dexamethasone, ondansetron

Jurnalul Român de Anestezie Terapie intensivă 2002 Vol.9 Nr.2, 113-117

Dexametazonă, ondansetron sau droperidol pentru combaterea greţurilor şi vărsăturilor postoperatorii după colecistectomia laparoscopică