Dexamethasone in Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Surgery

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Dexamethasone in Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Surgery

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Background: Efficient prevention and management of postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV] continues to be a concern that needs to be addressed. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the single dose dexamethasone [I.V. 8 mg] in preventing post operative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. Design: This was a hospital based Retro prospective Study. Duration: One Year December 2019 to November 2019. Setting: Department of Surgery, Owaisi Hospital and Research Centre. Participants: 50 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 50 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. The patients were allocated randomly to one of the two groups Group A - Dexamethasone I.V 8 mg, Group B - I.V saline The anesthetic was standardized. The patients were premedicated with glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg i.v., ranitidine 50 mg i.v., midazolam 0.05 mg/kg and fentanyl 1.5 mg/kg i.v. Vomiting was treated with metoclopromide 10 mg i.v. repeated if necessary. Results: The total incidence of nausea and vomiting was 28% in the dexamethasone group compared with 68% in the saline group. Dexamethasone is shown to be more effective in reducing nausea than vomiting. Conclusion: Prophylactic administration of single dose of dexamethasone 8 mg, IV resulted in prevention of post operative nausea and vomiting. Dexamethasone is more useful either alone or in combination with other antiemetics in prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting, especially when it is severe andfrequent.

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