几种药物预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后恶心呕吐的对比研究

目的比较格拉司琼、氟哌利多、地塞米松单用或合用预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后恶心呕吐的效果。方法择期腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者160例,于麻醉前随机分为四组,静脉注入各预防性药物,A组：地塞米松10mg;B组：氟哌利多2．5mg;C组：氟哌利多2．5mg＋地塞米松10mg;D组：格拉司琼3mg。观察术后24h恶心呕吐发生率。结果四组术后24h恶心呕吐总发生率分别为78％、63％、25％、28％,C组和D组明显低于A组和B组（P〈0．01）,而C组与D组差异无统计学意义。结论格拉司琼、氟哌利多、地塞米松都有预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后恶心呕吐的作用,但以格拉司琼和氟哌利多＋地塞米松效果显著,而且氟哌利多＋地塞米松更显示其性价比优越性。     

Comparison of dexamethasone,metoclopramide, and their combination in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are one of the most common complaints following anesthesia and surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone, metoclopramide, and their combination to prevent PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods A total of 160 ASA physical status I and II patients were included in this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 40 each): group 1 consisting of control patients administered 0.9% NaCl; group 2 patients received metoclopramide 10 mg just before the end of anesthesia; group 3 patients received dexamethasone 8 mg after the induction of anesthesia; and group 4 patients received dexamethasone 8 mg after the induction of anesthesia and metoclopramide 10 mg before the end of anesthesia. The incidence of PONV, mean visual analog pain scores at rest and on movement, time to the first request for analgesia, side effects, and well-being score were recorded during the first 24 h postoperatively. Results Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the χ² test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The total incidence of PONV was 60% with placebo, 45% with metoclopramide, 23% with dexamethasone, and 13% with the combination of dexamethasone plus metoclopramide. None of the dexamethasone plus metoclopramide group patients (p < 0.05 versus groups 1 and 2) and one dexamethasone group patient (p < 0.05 versus group 1) required antiemetic rescue, as compared with four patients in the metoclopramide group and six patients in the placebo group. Pain scores, the time to the first request for analgesia, and side effects were similar across the study groups. Conclusions Dexamethasone and the combination of dexamethasone plus metoclopramide were more effective in preventing PONV than metoclopramide and placebo.     

Dixyrazine for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: The study assessed the efficacy and safety of dixyrazine, an alternative neuroleptic drug to droperidol, in the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: A total of 197 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either dixyrazine 10 mg or placebo double-blinded at the end of surgery. Scores pertaining to PONV episodes, analgetic supply, rescue medication, adverse events and patient satisfaction were collected over the first 2 h in the PACU and the next 22 h in the ward. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV over the entire 24-h period was reduced from 32% in the placebo group to 13% in the dixyrazine group (P< or =0.004). The incidence of nausea in the first 2 h was reduced from 15% in the placebo group to 4% in the dixyrazine group (P< or =0.02) and from 12% to 5% in the next 22 h. The incidence of emetic episodes was not different between the two groups. Postoperative shivering was significantly less prevalent in the dixyrazine than in the placebo group (2% vs. 13%; P< or =0008), and opioid analgesics were required significantly less often (61% vs. 75%; P< or =0.01). No significant adverse effects were observed. Patient satisfaction was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic dixyrazine is an effective, safe, and cheap antiemetic drug for laparoscopic cholecystectomy without involving any significant adverse events.     

Preoperative oral granisetron prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a commonly observed adverse effect of anaesthesia. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of granisetron administered orally for preventing PONV in female patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery.
Methods: In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 120 patients received orally either placebo or granisetron (1 mg, 2 mg or 4 mg) (n=30 for each) 1 h before surgery. The same standard general plus regional anaesthetic technique was employed throughout. Postoperatively, during the first 24 h after anaesthesia, the incidence of PONV and adverse events was recorded by nursing staff.
Results: The incidence of PONV was 47% with placebo, 37% with granisetron 1 mg, 10% with granisetron 2 mg and 10% with granisetron 4 mg (P<0.05; overall Fisher's exact probability test). No difference in the incidence of adverse events was observed among the groups.
Conclusion: Preoperative oral granisetron in a minimum dose of 2 mg is effective for preventing PONV after major gynaecological surgery.     

托烷司琼预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后病人恶心呕吐的效应

目的评价托烷司琼预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后病人恶心呕吐的效应。方法择期腹腔镜下行胆囊切除术病人60例，ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级，随机分为对照组和托烷司琼组，每组30例。采用常规的麻醉诱导和维持。术毕托烷司琼组静脉注射托烷司琼2mg（用生理盐水稀释至5ml），对照组给予等量生理盐水。观察术毕～术后24h恶心、干呕和呕吐的发生率，并用评分法（0～10分）评估其程度，记录清醒程度评分及不良反应。结果与对照组相比，托烷司琼组术毕～术后3h恶心、干呕和呕吐发生率及其程度降低，头痛和烦燥发生率降低；术后3～24h干呕发生率及程度降低，恶心程度降低（P〈0．05）；清醒程度评分差异无统计学意义。结论托烷司琼可减少腹腔镜胆囊切除术病人恶心呕吐的发生及并降低其严重程度。     

右美托咪定用于预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后恶心呕吐的效果

目的观察右美托咪定预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后恶心呕吐的效果。方法选择择期行腹腔镜胆囊切除术的患者70例,男17例,女53例,年龄20~65岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。随机分为两组:右美托咪定组(R组)和地塞米松组(D组),每组35例。R组于麻醉诱导前静脉注射右美托咪定,背景剂量为0.5μg/kg,10min内注射完毕,后以0.5μg·kg~(-1)·h~(-1)维持输注。D组给予地塞米松8mg静脉注射。观察患者入室(T_1)、插管前(T_2)、插管后5min(T_3)、手术开始后5 min(T_4)、手术开始后30min(T_5)、缝皮时(T_6)、拔管后5min(T_7)的血压和心率。记录术中七氟醚的吸入浓度、停七氟醚至拔管的时间、手术时间及麻醉时间。观察患者8、24、48h内有无发生恶心呕吐。结果两组患者术后8、24、48h的恶心发生率和呕吐发生率差异无统计学意义。T2~T7时R组HR明显低于D组(P0.05),两组间MAP差异无统计学意义。结论与静脉注射地塞米松8mg比较,静脉注射右美托咪定负荷量0.5μg/kg(10min),维持量0.5μg·kg~(-1)·h~(-1),对减少腹腔镜胆囊术后恶心呕吐的发生有相同的效果。     

昂丹司琼联合地塞米松对比昂丹司琼单药预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后恶心呕吐的荟萃分析

目的:系统评价昂丹司琼联合地塞米松与昂丹司琼单药预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)术后恶心呕吐(postoperative nausea and vomiting,PONV)的疗效及安全性,以期为临床用药提供参考。方法:系统检索与筛选Cochrane Library、Pub Med、EMBASE、SCI、CNKI、维普、万方数据库中对比昂丹司琼单药与联合用药预防LC术后PONV的随机对照试验。使用Google学术、百度学术等搜索引擎进一步补充检索。按照纳入与排除标准纳入文献后,由两位作者独立进行质量评价、数据提取,交叉核对后,使用Rev Man 5.3软件统计分析,合并效应量中计数资料采用相对危险度(relative risk,RR)及95%可信区间(confidence interval,CI)描述。结果:纳入12项随机对照试验,共1 156例患者。Meta分析结果显示,相较昂丹司琼单药组,联合地塞米松用药组LC术后24 h内PONV发生率显著下降[RR=0.45,95%CI(0.35,0.57)]。依据药物用量行亚组分析时发现,4 mg、8 mg昂丹司琼联合用药组均可显著降低术后24 h PONV发生率,而在8 mg时较单药组可显著降低总的呕吐发生率[RR=0.40,95%CI(0.23,0.71)]。安全性方面,两组术后其他并发症发生率差异无统计学意义。结论:昂丹司琼联合地塞米松相较昂丹司琼单药能更好地预防LC术后的PONV,有效降低术后不适症状,同时临床应用时应注意昂丹司琼剂量的选择。     

Effective dose of granisetron in the reduction of nausea and vomiting after breast surgery

Background: Prophylactic use of granisetron, a selective Shydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting after breast surgery. This study was undertaken to determine the minimum effective dose of granisetron in the reduction of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing general anaesthesia for breast surgery.
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind manner, 120 female patients aged 42–66 years were assigned to receive either placebo (saline) or granisetron in a dose of 20 μg · kg^-1, 40 μg · kg^-1 and 80 μg · kg^-1 i.v. immediately before the induction of anaesthesia. A standard general anaesthetic technique was employed throughout. The POW and safety assessments were performed continuously during the first 24 h after anaesthesia.
Results: There were no significant differences among the groups with regard to patient demographics, surgical procedures, anaesthetics administered and analgesics given. The incidence of PONV was 47%, 43%, 17% and 17% after administration of placebo and granisetron 20 μg -kg^-1, 40 μg kg^-1 and 80 μg kg^-1, respectively. Granisetron 40 μg kg^-1 was as effective as 80 μ g - kg^-1 and both resulted in significant reductions of the incidence of PONV compared with placebo and granisetron 20 μg kg^-1 ( P < 0.05). No differences in the incidence of adverse events were observed among the groups.
Conclusion: Granisetron 40 μg · kg^-1 appears to be the minimum effective dose for reducing POW in patients undergoing general anaesthesia for breast surgery.     

Comparison of ondansetron and droperidol in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery in women

Background : Women undergoing laparoscopic surgery are susceptible to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Ondansetron and droperidol are useful antiemetics. This study was designed to ascertain primarily the relative difference in efficacy of ondansetron and droperidol and secondarily between these drugs and placebo in the prevention of PONV after laparoscopic surgery. Methods : The prophylactic antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron and droperidol was compared in a prospective, randomised, double–blind, placebo–controlled trial of 439 female inpatients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery. During induction of standardised general anaesthesia the patients received intravenously either ondansetron 8 mg (n=195), droperidol 1.25 mg (n=193) or placebo (n=51). The occurrence of nausea, vomiting, sideeffects and the need for rescue antiemetic medication were recorded for 24 h postoperatively. Results : The proportion of patients with nausea was 48%, 50% and 67% in the ondansetron, droperidol and placebo groups, respectively; with a significant difference when both ondansetron (P=0.02) and droperidol (P=0.04) were compared with placebo. Vomiting occurred in 18%, 26% and 37% of the patients in the three groups, respectively (P=0.05 between ondansetron and droperidol, P=0.004 between ondansetron and placebo, P=0.16 between droperidol and placebo). The proportion of patients given rescue medication was 34%, 28% and 49%, respectively (P=0.23 for ondansetron and droperidol, P=0.07 for ondansetron and placebo, P=0.007 for droperidol and placebo). During early recovery the patients treated with ondansetron were significantly more alert than after droperidol. Serious side–effects were not observed. Headache was significantly more common after ondansetron than after droperidol treatment. Conclusions : The efficacy of prophylactic ondansetron and droperidol in reducing postoperative nausea associated with laparoscopic surgery in female inpatients was similar, but ondansetron appeared to be slightly more efficient than droperidol in preventing vomiting. Ondansetron and droperidol were both significantly better than placebo in the prophylaxis of PONV.     

Tropisetron or droperidol in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting

BACKGROUND: Women undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy are susceptible to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of tropisetron or droperidol for preventing PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: In a prospective, randomised, double-blind trial, 120 female patients received either tropisetron 5 mg or droperidol 1.25 mg intravenously at the beginning of surgery. A standard general anaesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia were used. Nausea, emetic episodes and the need for rescue medication were recorded for 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Nausea was experienced by 55% of the patients in the tropisetron group and by 62% in the droperidol group (ns). The incidence of emetic episodes was 20% and 52% (P=0.001) in the two groups, respectively. Rescue antiemetic medication was needed in 42% and 50% (ns) of the patients, respectively. Patients in the droperidol group were more drowsy in comparison with patients in the tropisetron group, mean sedation score being 6.7 vs 5.7, respectively (P=0.023). No difference in other side-effects was observed. CONCLUSION: Tropisetron, when compared with droperidol, had no better efficacy on the prevention of postoperative nausea but resulted in a significantly lower incidence of vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

妇科腹腔镜手术术后恶心呕吐的临床研究

目的 分析妇科腹腔镜手术术后恶心呕吐(PONV)的发生情况及其影响因素.方法 按前瞻性临床队列研究设计,应用单因素和多因素logistic回归分析围术期变量与术后PONV发生之间的关系.术后6 h及24 h内发生的恶心或呕吐为本研究的结局变量.结果 研究期间共有260例患者行妇科腹腔镜手术,最终有237例有效病例.其中术后6 h内有80例出现PONV,术后24 h内有94例发生PONV.多因素logistic回归分析提示妇科腹腔镜手术术后6 h及24 h PONV的危险因素为既往FONV史及术毕疼痛,而氟哌利多有助于减轻术后6 h内PONV.结论 妇科腹腔镜手术PONV,高发,尤以6 h内明显;既往PONV史及术毕疼痛可增加本次手术PONV发生的风险.     

Ondansetron, granisetron, and dexamethasone compared for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomies are associated with an appreciably high rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of ondansetron, granisetron, and dexamethasone for the prevention of PONV in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A total of 80 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical class I-II patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. All patients received a similar standardized anesthesia and operative treatment. Patients were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20 each). Group 1, consisting of control patients, received 0.9% NaCl; group 2 patients received ondansetron 4 mg i.v.; group 3 patients received granisetron 3 mg i.v.; and group 4 patients received dexamethasone 8 mg i.v., all before the induction of anesthesia. Both nausea and vomiting were assessed during the first 24 h after the procedure. RESULTS: The total incidence of PONV was 75% with placebo, 35% with ondansetron, 30% with granisetron, and 25% with dexamethasone. The incidence of PONV was significantly less frequent in groups receiving antiemetics (p < 0.05). The differences between dexamethasone, granisetron, and ondansetron were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic dexamethasone 8 mg i.v. significantly reduced the incidence of PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Dexamethasone 8 mg was as effective as ondansetron 4 mg and granisetron 3 mg, and it was more effective than placebo.     

地塞米松和格拉司琼预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后恶心呕吐比较的研究

目的：研究地塞米松和格拉司琼预防腹腔镜胆囊切除术后恶心呕吐的临床效果及两者有无交互作用。方法：80例ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级择期全身麻醉下行腹腔镜胆囊切除术的患者，随机分为4组：地塞米松组、格拉司琼组、地塞米松＋格拉司琼组和对照组，每组20人。各组患者均于麻醉诱导前经静脉给予止吐药，记录术后24h内恶心呕吐评分及刀口愈合情况。结果：各实验组术后恶心呕吐评分均低于对照组（P〈0．05）；地塞米松组和格拉司琼组相比差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；地塞米松＋格拉司琼组与格拉司琼组、地塞米松组相比均矧氏（P〈0．05）；析因分析认为地塞米松和格拉司琼两药联合应用对预防术后恶心呕吐具有协同作用；各组术后刀口愈合均良好。结论：地塞米松和格拉司琼均能较好预防术后恶心呕吐，两者效果无明显差异，两药联合应用具有协同作用。     

Granisetron prevents nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

Background: Nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section are common and unpleasant complications. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, for prophylactic treatment of nausea and vomiting in parturients undergoing nonemergent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.
Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 patients, 21–38 years, received either placebo (saline) or granisetron at 3 different doses (20 μg · kg^-1, 40 μg · kg^-1 or 80 μg · kg^-1) (n=25 for each) intravenously immediately after clamping of the foetal umbilical cord. Nausea, vomiting and safety assessments were performed during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
Results: The treatment groups were similar with regard to maternal characteristics and operative management. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was 64%, 52%, 14% and 12% after administration of placebo and granisetron in a dose of 20 μg · kg^-1, 40 μg · kg^-1 and 80 μg · kg^-1, respectively ( P <0.05; overall Fisher's exact probability test). No clinically important adverse effects were observed in any group.
Conclusions: Prophylactic use of granisetron in a minimum dose of 40 μg · kg^-1 is effective for preventing nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
© Acta Anaesthesiologiat Scandinavica 42 (1998)     

Granisetron reduces incidence of nausea and vomiting after breast surgery

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a troublesome problem. This study was performed to evaluate the antiemetic efficacy of prophylactic granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonist, on the incidence of PONV in patients undergoing general anaesthesia for breast surgery.
Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 50 female patients, 45–68 years, were given a single dose of either placebo (saline, n=25) or granisetron (40 ug kg^-1, n= 25) intravenously over 2–5 min immediately before the induction of anaesthesia. Postoperatively, during the first 24 hours after anaesthesia, the incidence of PONV and adverse events was recorded.
Results: The treatment groups were similar for patient demographics, types of surgery, anaesthetic and postoperative management. Postoperatively, the incidence of PONV was 48% and 16% after administration of placebo and granisetron, respectively ( P < 0.05). No differences in the incidence of other adverse events were observed between the two groups.
Conclusion: Granisetron is an effective antiemetic for preventing PONV in patients undergoing general anaesthesia for breast surgery.     

Dexamethasone is as effective as ondansetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting following breast surgery

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative nausea and vomiting remain a common problem following breast surgery. This study assesses whether dexamethasone is as effective as ondansetron in the control of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: Eighty ASA I-III patients undergoing breast surgery for carcinoma of the breast were included in the study. Following premedication with diazepam 5-10 mg, patients were induced with fentanyl 50 micro g and propofol 2-2.5 mg kg-1. A larynx mask was inserted and anesthesia maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen and nitrous oxide. Patients were then randomly divided into two groups: Group D (dexamethasone) was given 4 mg dexamethasone i.v. after induction and Group O (ondansetron) was given 4 mg ondansetron at the same time point. Postoperatively, nausea, vomiting and pain were recorded at 1-h intervals during 4 h, and thereafter every 4 h during 24 h. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV during 24 h was 37% and 33% in Group D and Group O, respectively (NS). No differences were found between the groups in the incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting or pain at the different time intervals. No differences were found in the incidence of PONV in smokers vs. non-smokers. No side-effects of these drugs were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron 4 mg or dexamethasone 4 mg are equally effective in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting following breast surgery. Other factors being similar, the difference in cost between these drugs would favor the use of dexamethasone instead of ondansetron when monotherapy against PONV is used.     

地塞米松复合阿扎司琼对腹腔镜胆囊切除术后恶心呕吐影响的随机对照研究

目的观察地塞米松复合阿扎司琼对腹腔镜胆囊切除术后的镇吐效果.方法随机将ASAⅠ～Ⅱ150例择期行腹腔镜胆囊切除术的患者分为3组(各50例):地塞米松复合阿扎司琼组(D A组)于术毕时静脉注射地塞米松5 mg和阿扎司琼10 mg;阿扎司琼组(A组)于术毕时静脉注射阿扎司琼10 mg;对照组(C组)则于术毕时静脉注射生理盐水2 ml.观察术后24 h内患者的恶心、呕吐的发生情况.结果 D A组恶心发生率为4%(2/50),明显低于A组(16%,8/50)和C组(34%,17/50)(χ2＝4.00,14.62;P=0.046,0.000).D A组呕吐发生率为2%(1/50),明显低于A组(14%,7/50)和C组(32%,16/50)(χ2＝4.89,15.95;P=0.027,0.000).A组恶心、呕吐发生率亦明显低于C组(χ2＝4.32,4.57;P=0.038,0.033).结论地塞米松复合阿扎司琼控制腹腔镜胆囊切除术后的恶心、呕吐发生率效果优于单纯使用阿扎司琼.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Ramosetronvs granisetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of ramosetron with granisetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind study, 80 female inpatients received 3 mg granisetron or 0.3 mg ramosetron i.v. (n=40 of each) at the completion of surgery The standardized anesthetic included isoflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. RESULTS: Complete response, defined as no PONV, during the first 24 hr (0-24 hr) after anesthesia was 85% with granisetron and 93% with ramosetron, respectively (P=0.241); the corresponding incidence during the next 24 hr (24-48 hr) after anesthesia was 63% and 90% (P=0.004). No clinically important adverse events due to the study drug were observed in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Ramosetron was more effective than granisetron for prevention of PONV during 0-48 hr after anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Tropisetron plus dexamethasone is more effective than tropisetron alone for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy

The 5-HT3 antagonists are effective in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) associated with paediatric tonsillectomy. Although prophylactic tropisetron can reduce the incidence of PONV by half, the resulting level of over 40% is still unacceptably high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding dexamethasone to tropisetron. In a blinded study, 59 children (mean age 6.1 years) were administered 0.1 mg.kg-1 up to 2 mg of tropisetron and 66 children (mean age 5.7 years) received the same dose of tropisetron plus 0.5 mg.kg-1 up to 8 mg of dexamethasone. Both drugs were given intravenously during induction of anaesthesia for tonsillectomy. During the inpatient stay of 24 h, the incidence of postoperative vomiting in the tropisetron alone group was 53% compared with 26% in the combination group (P=0.002, chi-squared). A significant reduction in nausea from 53% to 30% was also observed (P=0.02). Parents completed a daily diary for 5 days following discharge. Delayed vomiting occurred in 27% and 11% of the tropisetron and combination therapy groups, respectively (P=0.025) Sixteen percent and 9%, respectively, required medical attention (P=0.27). Tropisetron plus dexamethasone is more effective than tropisetron alone in reducing the incidence of PONV following paediatric tonsillectomy.     

Dolasetron decreases postoperative nausea and vomiting after breast surgery

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, we compared the efficacy of dolasetron, dexamethasone, and metoclopramide in a preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in women undergoing breast surgery. Patients were allocated randomly to one of four groups (20 patients each): group A received 12.5 mg dolasetron, group B received 8 mg dexamethasone, group C received 20 mg metoclopramide, and group D received placebo intravenously. If patients complained of retching or vomiting or if patients demanded an antiemetic, 1.25 mg droperidol was administered intravenously. To quantify postoperative nausea and vomiting, the following score was used: 0 = no nausea, 1 = nausea, 2 = retching, 3 = single vomiting, 4 = multiple vomiting. Dolasetron and dexamethasone reduced the postoperative nausea and vomiting score significantly (p < 0.02 versus metoclopramide; p < 0.0001 versus placebo). Metoclopramide also reduced the postoperative nausea and vomiting score (p < 0.02 versus placebo). Fisher's exact test showed a significant reduction of vomiting in the dolasetron and dexamethasone groups compared with metoclopramide-treated patients (p < 0.007) and placebo-treated patients (p < 0.000006) and a significantly lower rate of nausea in comparison to the placebo group (p < 0.009). There were no significant differences between the metoclopramide and the placebo groups (using Fisher's exact test). The use of postoperative droperidol was significantly lower in both the dolasetron group (p < 0.04 versus metoclopramide; p < 0.0001 versus placebo) and dexamethasone group (p < 0.04 versus metoclopramide; p < 0.0001 versus placebo), as well as in the metoclopramide group (p < 0.02 versus placebo). Intravenous dolasetron and dexamethasone were equally effective and both are more effective than metoclopramide for preventing vomiting after breast surgery. Also both were significantly superior to either metoclopramide or placebo for postoperative nausea and vomiting and the need for droperidol rescue.