Vomiting after strabismus surgery in children: ondansetronvs propofol

Purpose

To compare the antiemetic efficacy and costs associated with two anaesthetic regimens in children undergoing strabismus surgery. One regimen contained halothane, nitrous oxide and ondansetron, while the other contained propofol and nitrous oxide.

Methods

Three hundred children aged 2–14 yr undergoing strabismus surgery were enrolled into this single-blind, randomized, stratified, blocked study with a balanced design. Anaesthesia was induced by inhalation with halothane/N₂O/O₂ (Group O) or with 2.5–3.5 mg·kg¹ propofol + 0.5 mg·kg^?1 lidocaineiv (Group P). Group O patients were administered 0.15 mg·kg^?1 ondansetron (maximum dose 8 mg)iv and all patients received atropine 20 μg·kg^?1 iv immediately after induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was maintained with N₂O and halothane (Group O) or N₂O and propofol (Group P). Patients were followed for 24 hr after their operation primarily to assess the incidence of postoperative vomiting. For each case, the costs of the anaesthetic drugs administered and their associated intravenous administration tubing were determined. Drug costs were those prevailing at the study site at the time of the investigation. Fixed costs, such as the cost of the anaesthetic equipment were not assessed.

Results

Groups were similar with respect to demographic data. The incidence of vomiting in both groups was 11 % while in-hospital and 23% after discharge. Each episode of in-hospital vomiting prolonged discharge by 17 ± 4 min, P < 0.001. Mean cost per case for anaesthetic drugs was less in Group 0. 18 ± 8vs 21 ± 10 CDN$. mean ± SD. P < 0.01.

Conclusion

The two methods of antiemetic prophylaxis were equally effective. Propofol-based anaesthesia was more expensive.     

Low incidence of the oculocardiac reflex and postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults undergoing strabismus surgery

Purpose

To investigate the incidence of the oculocardiac reflex (OCR), and of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in adults undergoing strabismus surgery.

Methods

Adults (18 86 yr) undergoing inpatient strabismus surgery received 10 μg·kg atropine and 10 μg·kg alfentaniliv and were randomly allocated to: (A) 5 mg·kg^?1 thiopentoneiv, isoflurane/N₂O maintenance; (B) 3 mg·kg^?1 propofoliv. propofol/N₂O maintenance (10–14 mg·kg^?1hr·t-1); © 3 mg·kg^?1 propofoliv, propofol/air/O₂ maintenance (10–14 mg·kg^?1·hr^?1). Analyses were with the number-needed-to-treat/harm.

Results

In 97 adults the absolute nsk of OCR (13–20%) and PONV (21–31% after 24 hr) was low. with no differences between groups. Number-needed-to-treat to prevent PONV with propofol with or without N₂O compared with thiopentone-isoflurane was 7 to 11. Number-needed-to-harm for one OCR with propofol compared with thiopentone-isoflurane was 17.

Conclusion

Adults undergoing strabismus surgery with prophylactic atropine had a low risk of OCR and PONV independent of the anaesthetic technique used.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effective dose of granisetron for preventing postoperative emesis in children

Purpose

This study was to identify the minimum effective dose of granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, to prevent postoperative vomiting in children who have undergone strabismus repair, tonsillectomy or tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind fashion, 80 healthy children aged 4–10 yr were assigned to receive either placebo (saline) or granisetron in a dose of 20, 40 or 80 μg· kg^?1 iv immediately following the induction of anaesthesia. All subjects received a standardized anaesthetic, which consisted of sevoflurane in nitrous oxide and oxygen. Rescue antiemetics were administered if two or more episodes of vomiting occurred. Postoperative pain was treated with acetaminophene pr or pentazocine iv. During the first 24 hr after anaesthesia, the frequencies of retching and vomiting were recorded in a standardized fashion by nursing staff while subjects were in a hospital.

Results

There were no differences among four treatment groups with regard to subject characteristics, surgical procedures, anaesthetic and postoperative management or adverse effects. The frequencies of these symptoms were as follows: 65%, 60%, 20% and 15% after administration of placebo, granisetron 20, 40 or 80 μg· kg^?1. Three children who had received either placebo or granisetron 20 μg · kg^?1 required another rescue antiemetic drug, whereas none who had received granisetron 40 or 80 μg · kg^?1 needed rescue drugs.

Conclusion

Granisetron 40 μg · kg^?1 is an effective antiemetic for preventing retching and vomiting following strabismus repair and tonsillectomy in children. Increasing the dose to 80 μg ·kg ^?1 provided no demonstrable benefit in reducing postoperative emesis.     

A comparison of ondansetron and prochlorperazine for the prevention of nàusea and vomiting after tympanoplasty

Purpose

To evaluate the effects on PONV and headache after tympanoplasty of prochlorperazine 0.2 mg·kg^?1 im, ondansetron 0.06 mg·kg^?1 iv or placebo (isotonic saline) 0.02 ml·kg^?1 iv given immediately after induction of anaesthesia prior to tracheal intubation.

Methods

The study was randomised, double blind and prospective. One hundred and forty-eight patients, aged 9–61 yr, received a standardised balanced inhalational anaesthetic with controlled ventilation and induced hypotension. Postoperatively, the frequencies of retching and vomiting in the PACU and of nausea, retching, vomiting, headache, analgesic and antiemetic requirements in the surgical ward for 24 hr were recorded.

Results

The four test groups (n = 37 each) were comparable. The incidences of vomiting in the PACU were similar. During the first 24 hr after surgery the antiemetics produced no reductions in the incidence of nausea alone or of vomiting alone. However, the combination of nausea and vomiting was reduced from 53% (placebo) to 16% (P < 0.0005), 19% (P < 0.0005) and 30% (P < 0.05) by im. prochlorperazine, iv ondansetron and iv prochlorperazine, respectively. The frequency of those experiencing no PONV was increased from 27% (placebo) by prochlorperazine im to 57% (P < 0.01), by ondansetron iv to 62% (P < 0.005) and by prochlorperazine iv to 43% (P = NS). The. onset of PONV was delayed in those given prochlorperazine im, and vomiting was less severe in those given ondansetron iv. Headache occurred with similar frequency in each group.

Conclusion

Prophylactic prochlorperazine 0.2 mg·kg^?1 im and ondansetron 0.06 mg·kg^?1 iv are similarly efficacious in reducing nausea with vomiting after tympanoplasty, while prochlorperazine 0.1 mg·kg^?1 iv is less efficacious. Neither drug given as described appeared to reduce the frequency of postoperative nausea alone or vomiting alone.     

Preoperative ketorolac increases bleeding after tonsillectomy in children

Purpose

To compare the incidence of vomiting following codeine or ketorolac for tonsillectomy in children.

Methods

We had planned to enrol 240 patients, aged 2–12 yr undergoing elective tonsillectomy into a randomized, single-blind study in University Children’s Hospital. The study was terminated, after 64 patients because interim analysis of the data by a blinded non-study scientist concluded that the patients were at undue risk of excessive perioperative bleeding. After induction of anaesthesia by inhalation with N₂O/halothane or with propofol 2.5?3.5 mg· kg^?1 iv, the children were administered 150 μg· kg^?1 ondansetron and 50 μg · kg^?1 midazolam. Maintenance of anaesthesia was with N₂O and halothane in O₂. Subjects were administered either 1.5 mg · kg^?1 codeine im or 1 mg· kg^?1 ketorolac iv before the commencement of surgery. Intraoperative blood loss was measured with a Baxter Medi-Vac® Universal Critical Measurement Unit. Postoperative management of vomiting and pain was standardized. Vomiting was recorded for 24 hr after anaesthesia. Data were compared with ANOVA, Chi-Square analysis and Fisher Exact Test.

Results

Thirty-five subjects received ketorolac. Demographic data were similar. The incidence of vomiting during the postoperative period was 31% in the codeine-group and 40% in the ketorolac-group. Intraoperative blood losses was 1.3 ± 0.8 ml · kg^?1 after codeine and 2.2 ± 1.9 ml · kg^?1 after ketorolac (mean ± SD) P < 0.05. Five ketorolac-treated patients had bleeding which led to unscheduled admission to hospital, P < 0.05, Exact Test.

Conclusion

Preoperative ketorolac increases perioperative bleeding among children undergoing tonsillectomy without beneficial effects.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Granisetron reduces vomiting after strabismus surgery and tonsillectomy in children

Purpose

To evaluate the antiemetic efficacy of granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, on postoperative vomiting in children undergoing general anaesthesia for strabismus repair and tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.

Methods

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, fifty patients, 4–10 yr of age, were given a single dose of either placebo (saline, n = 25) or granisetron (40 μg · kg^?1, n = 25) iv over 2–5 min after the induction of anaesthesia and prior to the surgical procedure. Postoperatively, during the first 24 hr after anaesthesia, the frequencies of retching and vomiting were recorded.

Results

There were no differences between the two groups with regard to patient characteristics, surgical procedures and anaesthetic or postoperative management. The incidence of retching was 36% and 12% after administration of placebo or granisetron, respectively (P < 0.05); the corresponding frequencies of vomiting were 32% and 8% (P < 0.05). Four children who had received placebo required another rescue antiemetic drug, whereas none who had received granisetron needed this agent.

Conclusion

Granisetron is effective in the prevention of retching and vomiting after strabismus repair and tonsillectomy in paediatric patients.     

Topical lidocaine improves conditions for laryngeal mask airway insertion

Purpose

We hypothesized that optimal laryngeal mask airway (LMA?) insertion conditions might be achieved with topical lidocaine and a smaller dose of propofol. In this study, insertion conditions after topical lidocaine 40 mg followed by propofol 2 mg·kg^?1 were compared with propofol 2 mg·kg^?1 or propofol 3 mg·kg^?1 alone.

Methods

Ninety patients were recruited for this randomized prospective double-blind study. One group received four sprays of topical lidocaine (40 mg) over the posterior pharyngeal wall followed by propofol 2 mg·kg^?1 (Group 2PL; n = 30). The other two groups received four sprays of 0.9% normal saline followed by propofol 2 mg·kg^?1 (Group 2P; n = 30) or by propofol 3 mg·kg^?1 (Group 3P; n = 30). The frequency of optimal insertion conditions (successful insertion at the first attempt without adverse responses) and side effects were recorded.

Results

The frequency of optimal insertion conditions was greater in Group 2PL (20/30, 67%) and Group 3P (22/30, 73%) than in Group 2P (11/20, 37%) (P = 0.009). In Group 3P, the mean blood pressure was lower than in the other groups prior to LMA-Classic? insertion (P = 0.003) but was similar after insertion. The incidence of apnea was greater in Group 3P patients (17/30, 57%) than in Group 2P (2/30, 7%) or Group 2PL patients (1/30, 3%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Topical lidocaine 40 mg followed by propofol 2 mg·kg^?1 can provide optimal insertion conditions of the LMA-Classic comparable to those of propofol 3 mg·kg^?1, with fewer hemodynamic changes and a lower incidence of apnea.     

Apnea following spinal anaesthesia in two former pre-term infants

Purpose

To report the occurrence of apnea and bradycardia in two former pre-term infants who received spinal anaesthesia without inhalational or intravenous anaesthetic agents during inguinal hemiorrhaphy.

Clinical features

Two former pre-term infants who had no recent history of apnea or bradycardia and who had been discharged from the hospital presented for anaesthetic care during inguinal hemiorrhaphy. Spinal anaesthesia using 1 mg·kg^?1 tetracaine in dextrose 10% was performed. A sensory level of T_4–6 was obtained in both infants. Neither infant received intravenous, oral, or inhalational agents for sedation. Five to ten minutes after placement of the spinal block, the two infants had frequent episodes of apnea and bradycardia. No change in the sensory level of spinal anaesthesia was noted. The apnea and bradycardia continued for a variable time into the postoperative period. Caffeine benzoate 10 mg·kg^?1 was administered to one infant. Other than the apnea and bradycardia, both infants had uncomplicated postoperative courses.

Conclusion

Apnea can occur when spinal anaesthesia is used as the sole anaesthetic technique in the former pre-term infant. Appropriate monitoring for such problems based on the infant’s post-conceptual age is suggested.     

Propofol, but not thiopentone or etomidate, enhances isoflurane-induced coronary vasodilatation in dogs

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that thiopentone, propofol, and etomidate alter the coronary vascular effects of abruptly administered isoflurane.

Methods

Dogs (n = 6) received inspired isoflurane 5% in the presence of thiopentone (20 mg·kg^?1 induction dose and 20 mg·kg^?1·hr^t-1 infusion), propofol (5 mg·kg^?1 induction dose and 40 mg·kg^?1·hr^?1 infusion), etomidate (2 mg·kg^?1 induction dose and 5 mg·kg^?1·hr^?1 infusion), or isoflurane (1.0 MAC) anaesthesia in a random fashion. Haemodynamics were assessed in the conscious state, during baseline anaesthesia, and at 30 sec intervals for five minutes after beginning isoflurane 5%.

Results

Rapidly administered isoflurane caused greater (P < 0.05) reductions in coronary vascular resistance in thiopentoneor propofol-than in isoflurane-anaesthetized dogs. Isoflurane produced greater (P < 0.05) increases in the ratio of coronary blood flow velocity to pressure-work index (an index of myocardial oxygen consumption; +109 ± 19 % during isoflurane alonevs + 182 ± 27 % change from baseline during propofol and isoflurane) consistent with relatively greater direct coronary vasodilatation during baseline propofol than during baseline isoflurane anaesthesia. Isoflurane caused larger increases in coronary blood flow velocity in dogs anaesthetized with etomidate concomitant with higher coronary perfusion pressure and pressure-work index than in those anaesthetized with isoflurane alone.

Conclusions

The results suggest that thiopentone, propofol, and etomidate each uniquely modify the coronary vascular responses to abrupt administration of high inspired concentrations of isoflurane in chronically instrumented dogs.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Granisetron reduces the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Purpose

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are commonly observed undesirable consequences of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study was undertaken to compare granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, with dropendol for reducing the incidence and seventy of PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

Eighty patients, aged 25–65 yr. scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in a randomized, double-blinded investigation and assigned to one of three treatment regimens: placebo (saline), 1.25 mg dropendol (approximately 25μg·kg^?1) or 3 mg granisetron (approximately 60μg·kg^?1). The study drugs were administerediv immediately before the induction of anaesthesia. A standard general anaesthetic technique was employed throughout. Nausea, vomiting and safety assessments were performed continuously dunng the first 24 hr after anaesthesia.

Results

The incidence of PONV was 46% with placebo, 41 % with dropendol and 15% with granisetron (P< 0.05; overall C² test). Four patients who had received placebo and two who had received dropendol required another rescue antiemetic, compared with none who had received granisetron (P< 0.05). Adverse events postoperatively were not different among the groups.

Conclusion

Granisetron is more effective than dropendol and placebo for reducing the incidence and seventy of PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Granisetron and dexamethasone provide more improved prevention of postoperative emesis than granisetron alone in children

Purpose

Dexamethasone decreases chemotherapy-induced emesis when added to antiemetic regimens. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of granisetron and dexamethasone with granisetron alone in the prevention of postoperative vomiting after strabismus repair, tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy in children.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind study, 60 healthy children, 4–10 yr of age, received either granisetron 40 μg · kg^?1 and saline (Group S) or granisetron 40 μg · kg^?1 and dexamethasone 4 mg (Group D) iv immediately after the induction of anaesthesia. All subjects received anaesthetics consisting of sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Postoperative pain was treated with acetaminophen pr or pentazocine iv. Postoperatively, during the first 24 hr after anaesthesia, the frequencies of retching and vomiting, and the incidence of adverse events were recorded by nursing staff.

Results

There were no differences between the treatment groups with regard to demographics, surgical procedure, anaesthetic administered or analgesics used for postoperative pain. The frequency of the symptoms was 27% and 7% in Groups S and D, respectively (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse events was comparable in the two groups.

Conclusion

The prophylactic administration of granisetron and dexamethasone was more effective than granisetron alone in the prevention of postoperative vomiting in paediatric subjects undergoing strabismus repair, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Antiemetic efficacy of granisetron and metoclopramide in children undergoing ophthalmic or ENT surgery

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of granisetron, metoclopramide and placebo in reducing the frequencies of retching and vomiting in children who had undergone strabismus repair and tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind study, 70 healthy subjects, 4–10 yr of age, were given a single dose of either placebo (saline, n = 24), metoclopramide 0.25 mg · kg^?1 (n = 23) granisetron 40 μg · kg^?1 (n = 23) iv over two to five minutes after the induction of anaesthesia. All subjects received inhalation anaesthesia with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Rescue antiemetics were administered if two or more episodes of vomiting occurred. Acetaminophen pr or pentazocine iv was given as needed for postoperative pain. All subjects remained in hospital for two days. During the first three and the next 21 hr after anaesthesia, the frequencies of retching and vomiting were recorded by nursing staff.

Results

There was no difference among groups with regard to demographic characteristics, surgical procedures, anaesthetics administered, postoperative managements, or adverse effects. During 0–3 hr after anaesthesia, the frequencies of retching and vomiting were: placebo 62%, metoclopramide 22% and granisetron 13% (P < 0.05). The corresponding frequencies during 3–24 hr after anaesthesia were: placebo 50%, metoclopramide 39% and granisetron 13% (P < 0.05). Four children who had received placebo and three who had received metoclopramide required another rescue antiemetic.

Conclusion

Granisetron 40 μg · kg^?1 is more effective than either metoclopramide or placebo in reducing the frequencies of postoperative retching and vomiting during the first 24 hr after anaesthesia in children who have undergone strabismus surgery and tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.     

Neostigmine requirements for reversal of neuromuscular blockade following an infusion of mivacurium

Purpose

To study the efficacy of neostigmine compared with placebo for the antagonism of neuromuscular blockade at the end of a mivacunum infusion, and to determine its optimal dose.

Methods

One hundred adult patients undergoing an elective surgical procedure received a standardized anaesthetic with 20–30 mg·kg^?1 alfentanil, a propofol infusion and nitrous oxide. Muscle relaxation was maintained at 90–95% T1 depression with 0.2 mg·kg^?1 mivacunum followed by an infusion. Neuromuscular blockade was measured with an integrated evoked electromyogram in response to train-of-four (TOF) stimuli at the ulnar nerve every 20 sec. Patients were randomized into four groups. At the end of surgery, the mivacunum infusion was stopped and patients received. immediately, in a double-blind manner, neostigmine (10, 20. or 40 mg·kg^?1) or placebo according to a random number table. The Tl and TOF ratio were recorded until adequate recovery of neuromuscular function (TOF ratio > 0.70). During the reversal penod, non-invasive blood pressure and heart rate were recorded every minute. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was recorded in the recovery room.

Results

Data from 94 patients who completed the protocol were analysed. Compared with placebo, neostigmine 10 gmg·kg did not reduce the time to TOF > 0.70 (17.0 ± 5.1 vs 14.6 ± 4.2 mm respectively). However the time was decreased with neostigmine 20μg·kg and 40 μ·?^?1 (P < 0.001), but with no difference between these last two groups (11.4 ± 3.0 and 11.4 ± 3.5 min respectively). Changes in systolic blood pressure and heart rate were not different between the four groups. Very few PONV events were observed in all groups (global incidence 7.4%).

Conclusion

Recovery of neuromuscular blockade following a mivacunum infusion is accelerated by neostigmine. A dose of neostigmine 20μ·kg^?1 appears optimal with no further reduction in recovery time obtained from a larger dose.     

Effect of dexamethasone on postoperative morbidity after dental rehabilitation in children

Purpose

Dexamethasone reduces postoperative morbidity after adenotonsillectomy, strabismus surgery, and third molar extraction. Our hypothesis was that dexamethasone would reduce pain and other morbidity in children undergoing dental surgery for up to 24 hr postoperatively.

Methods

A triple-blinded, randomized, controlled trial was carried out on 200 children undergoing prolonged dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. Subjects were randomized into two groups: group D, given dexamethasone 0.3?mg·kg^?1; group S, given normal saline. The primary outcome measure was pain over 24 hr as evaluated by a parental 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS). Key secondary outcomes included oral intake on a four-point scale at 24 hr and the overall incidence of postoperative vomiting (POV). Analysis for the primary outcome consisted of comparison of means in the NRS with the Wilcoxon rank sum test and for occurrence of POV with Fisher??s test.

Results

After eliminating 22 subjects for protocol violations and withdrawals, 178 subjects were analyzed. There was no significant difference in pain scores (NRS) at 24 hr or the worst NRS experienced over the preceding 24 hr. There was no difference in the quality of oral intake between the groups. There was a significant difference in the percentage of patients who vomited during the first 24 hr: eight of 91 in group S and one of 87 in group D. Therefore, 7.74% more vomited in group S (P?=?0.045), with a 95% confidence interval of 0.32 to15.16 for the difference in percentages.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone, 0.3?mg·kg^?1, did not reduce pain over 24 hr in healthy children undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. The quality of oral intake was also unaffected by dexamethasone at 24 hr. Dexamethasone did produce a significant reduction in postdischarge vomiting, beyond the incidence found with ondansetron alone.     

Rocuronium prevents succinylcholine-induced fasciculations

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of rocuronium pretreatment at 3 and 1.5 min before succinylcholine administration on fasciculations, neuromuscular blockade and intubating conditions.

Methods

Sixty ASA I or II adults scheduled for elective surgery were anaesthetised with midazolam, fentanyl, propofol, N₂O and isoflurane. They were randomised in a double blind manner into three groups: group ROC-3 min (n = 22) received 0.05 mg·kg^?1 rocuronium, 3 min before 2 mg·kg^?1 succinylcholine; group ROC-1.5 min (n = 20) received 0.05 mg·kg^?1 rocuronium 1.5 min before 2 mg·kg^?1 succinylcholine; and group NO ROC (n = 18) had no rocuronium before injection of 2 mg·kg^?1 succinylcholine. Fasciculations and intubating conditions were evaluated by the same physician who was unaware of the randomisation. Neuromuscular block was measured at the adductor pollicis with an accelerometer.

Results

The incidence of fasciculations was lower in the ROC-3 min (9%) and ROC-1.5 mm (30%) groups than in the NO ROC group (83%;P < 0.001 ). The intensity of fasciculations was also less in both pretreatment groups. No statistical difference was noted between pretreatment at 3 and 1.5 min. Intubating conditions, onset time and duration of succinylcholine blockade were comparable in all three groups.

Conclusion

The incidence and severity of succinylcholine fasciculations can be reduced by giving 0.05 mg·kg^?1 rocuronium either 1.5 min or 3 min before succinylcholine. The effects of 2 mg·kg^?1 succinylcholine with rocuronium pretreatment, and 1 mg·kg^?1 succinylcholine, without pretreatment, are similar with respect to intubating conditions, onset of paralysis and duration of blockade.     

Posttonsillectomy vomiting. Ondansetron or metoclopramide during paediatric tonsillectomy: are two doses better than one?

This randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled, prospective study compared the antiemetic efficacy of one preoperative dose of metoclopramide 0.25 mg·kg^?1 intravenously or ondansetron 0.15 mg·kg^?1 intravenously with two doses of the same drugs (second dose administered one h postoperatively) in 200 preadolescent children undergoing tonsillectomy with either isoflurane or propofol anaesthesia. The incidence of posttonsillectomy vomiting was significantly reduced (P < 0.005) by two doses of either metoclopramide or ondansetron (18% and 8%, respectively) compared with placebo (50%). No difference in posttonsillectomy vomiting exists between the children who received isoflurane and those who received a propofol infusion. Our results suggest that two doses of metoclopramide 0.25 mg·kg^?1 intravenously, like two doses of ondansetron 0.15 mg·kg^?1, are effective in reducing vomiting after tonsillectomy in children who have received either isoflurane or propofol anaesthesia.     

Perphenazine decreases vomiting by children after tonsillectomy

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that perphenazine decreases the incidence of vomiting by children after tonsillectomy.

Methods

Healthy children (n = 260) aged 2–12 yr undergoing elective tonsillectomy on a day care surgical basis were studied in this randomised, stratified, blocked, double-blind investigation. General Anaesthesia was induced intravenously with propofol or by inhalation with halothane and N₂O. Perphenazine 70 μg·kg^?1 up to 5 mg or placebo iv was administered before surgery. Management of perioperative fluids, emesis and pain were all standardised.

Results

The groups were similar with respect to demographic data. There was less vomiting after perphenazine during the first 24 hr after surgery 42% (95% CI = 34%–50%) vs 57% (95% CI = 48%–66%, placebo), P < 0.01. On the day of surgery, both in and out-of hospital emesis were decreased by perphenazine. The perphenazine treated patients required fewer rescue antiemetics than the control group, P < 0.05. Each episode of in-hospital vomiting delayed discharge by 20 ± 7 min (mean ± SD). P = 0.007.

Conclusion

The prophylactic administration of perphenazine decreases vomiting by children after tonsillectomy.     

Excellent intubating conditions with remifentanil–propofol and either low-dose rocuronium or succinylcholine

Purpose

The shortest time to tracheal intubation, the best intubating conditions, and the shortest duration of muscle paralysis are achieved with succinylcholine. During a lidocaine–remifentanil–propofol induction of anesthesia, we compared intubating conditions 90 s after administering low-dose rocuronium (0.3 mg · kg^?1) with intubating conditions 60 s after administering succinylcholine 1.5 mg · kg^?1.

Methods

The randomized double-blind study included 184 healthy adult patients scheduled for elective surgery. Anesthesia was induced in all patients with lidocaine 1.5 mg · kg^?1, remifentanil 2 μg · kg^?1, and propofol 2 mg · kg^?1 administered over 30 s. In one group, rocuronium 0.3 mg · kg^?1 was administered before the induction sequence, and in the other group, succinylcholine 1.5 mg · kg^?1 was administered after the induction sequence. Laryngoscopy was attempted 90 s after rocuronium administration and 60 s after succinylcholine administration. Intubating conditions were assessed as excellent, good, or poor on the basis of ease of laryngoscopy, position of the vocal cords, and reaction to insertion of the tracheal tube and cuff inflation.

Results

There were 92 patients per group. In the rocuronium group, intubating conditions were excellent in 83 patients (90%), good in 8 (9%), and poor in 1 (1%), not significantly different from the intubating conditions in the succinylcholine group, which were excellent in 88 patients (96%), good in 3 (3%), and poor in 1 (1%) (P = 0.3).

Conclusion

During a lidocaine–remifentanil–propofol induction of anesthesia, rocuronium 0.3 mg · kg^?1 administered before the induction sequence provides intubating conditions comparable to those achieved with succinylcholine 1.5 mg · kg^?1 administered after the induction sequence.     

Comparative effects of three doses of intravenous ketorolac or morphine on emesis and analgesia for restorative dental surgery in children

Purpose

The optimal dose of intravenous ketorolac tromethamine (ketorolac), a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug has not been determined in children. There are only limited published data on the use of intravenous ketorolac for paediatric analgesia. This study compares the analgesic and emetic effect of three different doses of ketorolac with morphine in paediatric dental surgical outpatients.

Methods

Following institutional approval and parental consent, 120 ASA I or II children, age 2– 10 yr were randomized to four groups and received ketorolac 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 mg · kg^{? 1} or morphine 0.1 mg · kg^{? 1} iv at induction of a standardized anaesthetic. At 15 and 30 min after arrival in the recovery room a blinded observer assessed pain using the Objective Pain Score (OPS). Twentyfour hours after surgery a telephone interview was carried out with a parent at home.

Results

There were no differences in demographic data, anaesthesia time, recovery and daycare unit time, OPS and postoperative analgesic requirements in the four groups. Postoperative vomiting in the first 24 hr occurred more frequently in the morphine group than in the other groups (P <0.0166). No patient had excessive surgical bleeding.

Conclusions

Ketorolac, in all doses studied (0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 mg · kg^{? 1}) was as effective an analgesic as morphine 0.1 mg · kg^{? 1} given intravenously at induction to children having restorative dental surgery. Its use was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of postoperative vomiting.     

Propofol reduces the incidence of vomiting after tonsillectomy in children

We compared the effect of a propofol-based anaesthetic to an isoflurane-based anaesthetic on the incidence of postoperative vomiting in children following tonsillectomy. Thirty-nine children were enrolled in the study and randomized to receive one of the proposed anaesthetics. All patients underwent a mask induction with halothane, nitrous oxide, and oxygen. Intravenous access was established and all children received fentanyl (2–4 μg·kg^-1) i.v., mivacurium (0.3 mg·kg^-1) i.v. and acetaminophen (10–15 mg·kg^-1) p.r. Following tracheal intubation, patients received either isoflurane (0.8–1.6%) or propofol (120–180 μg·kg^-1 min^-1) i.v. with nitrous oxide 70%/oxygen 30% for maintenance of anaesthesia. Vital signs were maintained within 20% of baseline. All patients were extubated in the operating room. PACU nursing staff recorded episodes of vomiting for 4–6 h prior to discharge. A telephone interview the following day was also used for data recovery. Age, sex, and duration of the procedure were not significantly different between the two study groups. Of 19 patients who received propofol, four vomited (21%); in contrast, of the 20 patients who received isoflurane, 11 vomited (55%). This difference is significant (P= 0.048 two-tailed Fisher's Exact Test). These data suggest that using propofol for anaesthesia can diminish the incidence of vomiting following tonsillectomy.