COMPARISON OF THE USE OF DOMPERIDONE, DROPERIDOL AND METOCLOPRAMIDE IN THE PREVENTION OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING FOLLOWING MAJOR GYNAECOLOGICAL SURGERY

Domperidone 20 mg, droperidol 2.5 mg, metoclopramide 10 mg andplacebo (saline) were given i.v. 10 min before the end of anaesthesia,to 200 women undergoing major gynaecological surgery, and theincidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting following a standardanaesthetic technique was assessed. Droperidol was significantlymore effective than domperidone, metoclopramide or placebo inreducing emetic sequelae. There were no significant differencesbetween the groups in the incidence of extrapyramidal effectsand postoperative sedation. Patients given droperidol requiredless postoperative analgesia than those given domperidone ormetoclopramide. It was concluded that, of the drugs studied,droperidol alone was effective in protecting against nauseaand vomiting after major gynaecological surgery.     

Comparison of ramosetron and granisetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after gynecologic surgery.

In a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study, we evaluated the efficacy of granisetron and ramosetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in major gynecologic surgery. One hundred twenty patients, ASA physical status I or II, aged 23-65 yr, received i.v. granisetron 2.5 mg or ramosetron 0.3 mg (n = 60 each) at the end of surgery. A standard general anesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia were used. The incidence of a complete response, defined as no PONV and no need for another rescue medication, 0-3 h after anesthesia was 87% with granisetron and 90% with ramosetron; the corresponding incidence 3-24 h after anesthesia was 85% and 90%; the corresponding incidence 24-48 h after anesthesia was 70% and 92% (P < 0.05). No clinically serious adverse events due to the drugs were observed in any of the groups. In conclusion, prophylactic therapy with ramosetron is more effective than granisetron for the longterm prevention of PONV after major gynecologic surgery. Implications: We compared the efficacy of granisetron and ramosetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in major gynecologic surgery. Prophylactic therapy with ramosetron was more effective than granisetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting 24-48 h after anesthesia.     

Double-blind comparative study of droperidol, granisetron and granisetron plus dexamethasone as prophylactic anti-emetic therapy in patients undergoing abdominal, gynaecological, breast or otolaryngological surgery

In this double-blind study the clinical efficacy of a single pre-operative intravenous dose of droperidol 1.25 mg (137 patients), granisetron 1 mg (130 patients) and granisetron 1 mg plus dexamethasone 5 mg (130 patients) was investigated for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after gynaecological surgery, breast surgery, abdominal surgery and ear, nose and throat surgery. The incidence of nausea in the first 24 h postoperatively was 52% in the droperidol group, 48% in the granisetron group and 34% with the combination, respectively. Both granisetron and granisetron/dexamethasone performed better than droperidol in their effects on vomiting or combined nausea and vomiting (incidence in the first 24 h 22%, 18% and 42%, respectively). The number of emetic episodes during the 5-day study period was significantly higher in the droperidol group (198) than in the granisetron (73) or combination group (78).     

Comparison of cyclizine and ondansetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in laparoscopic day-case gynaecological surgery

Seventy-four patients undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery were randomly allocated to two groups receiving cyclizine 50 mg or ondansetron 4 mg at induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthetic and postoperative analgesia regimens were standardised. Approximately half of the patients in each group experienced some degree of postoperative nausea and vomiting (cyclizine, 56%; ondansetron, 54%). There was no difference between groups in respect of pre- and postdischarge incidence. Mean (SD) time to eye opening was significantly prolonged in the cyclizine group [10 (4) min vs. 8 (2) min; p < 0.001], but this had no influence on discharge times. Cyclizine and ondansetron appear equally effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting but the 10-fold price differential favours cyclizine.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting with granisetron: a randomized,double-blind comparison with droperidol

The effects of granisetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting were investigated in a randomized, double-blind comparison with droperidol and placebo in 100 patients undergoing general anaesthesia for major gynaecological surgery. The patients received a single dose of either granisetron (40 μg · kg^{? 1}, n = 25), dropéridol (1.25 mg, n = 25; 2.5 mg n = 25) or placebo (saline, n = 25) iv over two to five minutes immediately before induction of anaesthesia. The antiemetic effects of these drugs were evaluated during the first three and the next 21 hr after recovery from anaesthesia. During 0– 3 hr after anaesthesia, the frequency of nausea and vomiting was 60%, 12%, 16% and 12% after administration of placebo, granisetron, droperidol 1.25 mg or droperidol 2.5 mg, respectively. The corresponding frequencies during 3– 24 hr after anaesthesia were 44%, 8%, 36% and 12%. The efficacy of granisetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting was almost equal to that of droperidol 2.5 mg. The awakening time in the patients who had received droperidol 2.5 mg was prolonged by approximately three minutes compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05), and postoperative drowsiness/sedation was observed in these patients. In conclusion, preoperative prophylactic administration of granisetron is superior to that of droperidol in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after anaesthesia.     

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. Combined antiemetic treatment with tropisetron and metoclopramide vs. metoclopramide alone.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Female patients undergoing gynaecological procedures, especially laparoscopically, are at high risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting. No available antiemetic is entirely effective. This double-blinded randomized trial examines the efficacy and safety of tropisetron and metoclopramide in combination and compares the results with metoclopramide alone in laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. METHODS: One hundred and twenty female patients scheduled for minor gynaecological laparoscopy, aged 27-43 years, were randomly allocated to receive pretreatment with metoclopramide 10 mg intravenously (n=57) or tropisetron 5 mg with metoclopramide 5 mg (n=63). RESULTS: Fewer patients in the combined treatment group experienced postoperative nausea and vomiting (14% vs. 37%, P=0.008) or needed rescue antiemetic treatment (3% vs. 16%, P=0.038). No significant adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the antiemetics was superior, which is probably explained by the fact that the two drugs have different sites of action, thus preventing emesis by blocking different pathways.     

Electrical stimulation of the vestibular system prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting

BACKGROUND: Electrical stimulation of the vestibular system may prevent nausea and vomiting. We studied the influence of transcutaneous impulse stimulation in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following gynaecological surgery. METHODS: In this randomised study 70 women undergoing elective gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia were assigned to receive either the activated (stimulation group) or the inactivated (non-stimulation group) impulse stimulator. The stimulator comprises the stimulator itself, two negative electrodes on a headset applied over both mastoid processes and a nuchal positive electrode. The device yielded a pulse frequency of 5 Hz direct current, individually adjustable between 0.5 and 4 mA. A trapezoid stimulation of 50 ms was applied. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and the amount of antiemetic drugs used were assessed during the first 4 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Lower postoperative nausea scores with a lower incidence of vomiting and postoperative dizziness were found in the stimulation group. A lower amount of antiemetic drugs was needed in the stimulation group when compared to the non-stimulation group (P<0.01 between groups). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that electrical stimulation of the vestibular system may be useful in prevention of PONV.     

Acupressure for postoperative nausea and vomiting in gynaecological patients receiving patient-controlled analgesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure in preventing nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing gynaecological operations and receiving a patient-controlled analgesia device. METHODS: Patients aged between 40 and 65 yr were included. Exclusion criteria were obesity, diabetes mellitus, and history of motion sickness, postoperative nausea and vomiting, or smoking. Patients were randomized into one of two groups, acupressure and control. In the acupressure group, acupressure bands were placed on both wrists with the plastic bead positioned at the P6 point. In controls, beads were placed at a non-acupoint site. All patients received a standard general anaesthetic. Postoperatively, patients were connected to a patient-controlled analgesia device with morphine (loading dose 5 mg, background infusion 1 mg h-1, bolus dose 1 mg and lock-out time 10 min). Pain and sedation scores, respiratory rate, heart rate, arterial pressure and oxygen saturation were recorded for 24 h. Metoclopramide 10 mg was administered intravenously as a rescue antiemetic. RESULTS: Fifty patients received acupressure and 50 were controls. In the acupressure group, 33% of patients had nausea compared with 63% controls. The cumulative incidence of vomiting at 24 h was 25% with acupressure and 61% in controls. The incidence of nausea, vomiting and antiemetic use was significantly lower with acupressure. CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure at the P6 meridian point is an effective alternative for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving patient-controlled analgesia with morphine after gynaecological surgery.     

Combining propofol with morphine in patient-controlled analgesia to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting

We have studied the antiemetic effects of propofol when mixed with morphine in a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump after major gynaecological surgery. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled study, 50 women, ASA I or II, received a standardized anaesthetic comprising thiopental, morphine, atracurium, nitrous oxide and oxygen with enflurane, and received postoperative PCA with morphine mixed with either 1% propofol or lvelip. The PCA bolus was morphine 1 mg with propofol 5 mg or lvelip 0.5 ml, with a lockout time of 5 min. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were assessed by the nursing staff using a four-point ordinal scale and by the patient using a visual analogue scale for 48 h after surgery. The two groups were similar in the potential factors influencing the incidence of PONV. There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the study measurements of PONV. There were, no side effects after propofol. Propofol, when mixed with morphine in this dose combination for PCA, did not decrease the incidence of nausea and vomiting in women undergoing major gynaecological surgery.      

Ondansetron versus metoclopramide in prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective double-blind randomized study

OBJECTIVE: Patients who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be at risk of experiencing postoperative nausea and vomiting. This prospective, randomized, double-blind study compared the prophylactic use of metoclopramide and ondansetron for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Eighty patients were randomized into two groups. Patients received ondansetron 4 mg or metoclopramide 10 mg intravenously in a double-blind manner at the end of anaesthesia. RESULTS: The incidence of nausea was 45% for metoclopramide and 20% for ondansetron in the 24 hours postoperatively; the difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.05). Postoperative nausea score did not show any significant difference between the two group in the first 2 hours (p = 0.3) and 4 hours (p = 0.12) but was significant between 4 and 24 hours (p = 0.02). The incidence of vomiting was 20% for metoclopramide and 2.5% for ondansetron. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Ondansetron 4 mg given intravenously at the end of surgery is effective for preventing vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

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.     

The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of prophylactic 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonists: tropisetron,ondansetron and dolasetron

There are currently three 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists available in Australia. In this randomized, double-blind, parallel group study the prophylactic antiemetic effect of a single dose of tropisetron 2 mg, ondansetron 4 mg or dolasetron 12.5 mg was compared after major gynaecological surgery. One hundred and eighteen patients (group T n = 42; group O n = 36; group D n = 40) were evaluated for nausea, vomiting, recovery characteristics and satisfaction for 24 hours postoperatively. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. Rescue antiemetic, prochlorperazine 12.5 mg i.m., was given if vomiting occurred more than 10 minutes after arrival in the recovery room. If prochlorperazine was ineffective one hour after administration, droperidol 1 mg i.v. was given. There were no significant differences between groups for the incidence of vomiting during consecutive epochs until 24 hours postoperatively or overall (57%, 75% and 72.5% for groups T, O and D respectively, P = 0.18). The incidence and number of rescue antiementic treatments for nausea or vomiting were similar. The incidence of nausea and the overall and interval nausea scores were similar except for lower "worst nausea" score in group T between 12 and 18 hours (P = 0.02). Recovery times, satisfaction and cost per patient did not differ between groups. We conclude that the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting remained high in this setting despite 5-HT3 receptor antagonist prophylaxis and that the choice between these agents should be based on the lowest available acquisition cost.     

Acupuncture in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting

The efficacy of intra-operative acupuncture at the PC6 point in the prevention of postoperative nausea or vomiting was studied. A double-blind randomised controlled study of acupuncture versus placebo was performed in 81 patients scheduled for day case gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. Failure of treatment was defined as the occurrence of nausea or vomiting prior to or within 24 h of discharge. The use of acupuncture reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting in hospital from 65% to 35% compared with placebo and after discharge from 69% to 31% compared with placebo.     

Haloperidol vs. ondansetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting following gynaecological surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ondansetron is widely used for the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting, while haloperidol is an antiemetic that lacks recent data on efficacy and adverse effects. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study involving 93 females undergoing gynaecological procedures under general anaesthesia, we compared the efficacy and adverse effects of prophylactic haloperidol 1 mg intravenous and ondansetron 4 mg intravenous vs. placebo. RESULTS: During the overall observation period (0-24 h), in the haloperidol, ondansetron and placebo groups respectively, the incidence of nausea and/or vomiting was 40.7% (11/27), 48.2% (13/27) and 55.5% (15/27), and the need of rescue antiemetics was 22.2% (6/27), 44.4% (12/27) and 40.7% (11/27), with P values >0.05 among the three groups. During the early observation period (0-2 h), in the haloperidol, ondansetron and placebo groups respectively, the incidence of nausea and/or vomiting was 13.7% (4/29), 26.6% (8/30) and 43% (13/30), and the need for rescue antiemetics was 6.8% (2/29), 26.6% (8/30) and 36.6% (11/30). Between haloperidol and placebo groups, the P value was 0.04 for nausea and/or vomiting, and was 0.01 for rescue antiemetics, in addition to lower nausea scores (P = 0.03). During the late observation period (2-24 h), no significant difference was shown among the three groups. CONCLUSION: The prophylactic administration of 1 mg intravenous haloperidol or 4 mg ondansetron, in female patients undergoing gynaecological surgery, did not improve the overall incidence of nausea and/or vomiting vs. placebo. However, haloperidol 1 mg proved to be an effective antiemetic in the early observation period without significant adverse effects.     

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.     

Esomeprazole for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting still represents a major problem after surgery. Although risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting and procedures to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting have been described, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting remains high. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting after elective surgery. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind trial, ASA I-III patients at high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting received esomeprazole tablets 3 x 40 mg or matching placebo the evening before surgery, 2 h preoperatively and 24 h postoperatively. Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil without nitrous oxide (FiO2 0.5) was used. Patients were interviewed using a standardized postoperative nausea and vomiting questionnaire at discharge from the post-anaesthesia care unit, 6 h and 24 h later. The severity of nausea was estimated on a 0-100 point numerical scale (0 = no nausea, 100 = maximum nausea). RESULTS: The incidence of vomiting was similar in the esomeprazole (n = 45) and the placebo (n = 48) groups (64.4% vs. 60.5%, P > 0.05). The average nausea score was 17.8 with esomeprazole and was 18.7 with placebo (P > 0.05). Only 24.7% of all patients (esomeprazole 24.4%, placebo 25.0%) did not experience any nausea or vomiting. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that prophylactic esomeprazole reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting or the degree of postoperative nausea.     

Comparison of ondansetron, metoclopramide and placebo as premedicants to reduce nausea and vomiting after major surgery

In a randomised, double-blind study, we have compared the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in 124 patients undergoing major lower limb orthopaedic surgery following oral premedication with temazapam and ondansetron 8 mg, metoclopramide 10 mg or placebo. They received a standardised epidural and general anaesthetic. An epidural mixture containing bupivacaine 0.1% and fentanyl 10 mg.ml⁻¹ was infused postoperatively. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting was assessed every 4 h for 24 h. The incidence of vomiting significantly decreased from 55% and 43% in the placebo and metoclopramide groups, respectively, to 26% in the ondansetron group (p = 0.03). The incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients who had previously suffered was also significantly reduced from 67% and 68% in the placebo and metoclopramide groups, respectively, to 29% in the ondansetron group (p = 0.035). We conclude that oral premedication with ondansetron 8 mg was superior to metoclopramide 10 mg and placebo in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting following major orthopaedic surgery in patients given epidural opioid analgesia.     

Supplemental oxygen reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

BACKGROUND: Despite new anesthetic drugs and antiemetics, particularly 5-hydroxytryptamines, the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting remains between 20% and 70%. The authors tested the hypothesis that supplemental perioperative oxygen administration reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting. METHODS: Patients undergoing colon resection were anesthetized with fentanyl and isoflurane. During and for 2 h after surgery they were randomly assigned to (1) 30% oxygen, balance nitrogen (n = 119); or (2) 80% oxygen, balance nitrogen (n = 112). The incidence of nausea or vomiting during the first 24 postoperative hours was evaluated by nurses blinded to group assignment and oxygen concentration. Data were analyzed with unpaired t or Mann-Whitney U tests. Results are presented as means +/- SD; P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Factors known to influence nausea and vomiting were comparable in the two groups. Perioperative oxygen saturation was well within normal limits in each treatment group; saturations the first postoperative morning were comparable in each group. Supplemental oxygen reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting from 30% in the patients given 30% oxygen to 17% in those given 80% oxygen (P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Supplemental oxygen reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting nearly twofold after colorectal surgery. The mechanism by which oxygen administration reduces the incidence of these postoperative sequelae remains unknown but may be related to subtle intestinal ischemia. Because oxygen is inexpensive and essentially risk-free, supplemental oxygen appears to be an effective method of reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting.     

Midazolam vs ondansetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting: a randomised controlled trial

We compared the prophylactic anti-emetic efficacy of midazolam and ondansetron in 90 patients scheduled for minor gynaecological (hysteroscopy) or urological (ureteroscopy) procedures planned to last 1-2 h under sevoflurane anaesthesia with spontaneous ventilation of the lungs via a laryngeal mask airway. Midazolam 2 mg or ondansetron 4 mg were administered intravenously 30 min before the end of surgery. The proportions of patients who experienced postoperative nausea and vomiting in the first 24 h (30% and 27% for the midazolam and ondansetron groups, respectively) were similar in the two groups. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly smaller in both groups than predicted according to the patients' underlying risks (midazolam group: p = 0.018; ondansetron group: p = 0.017). There were no significant differences in average sedation scores or pain scores. Treatment using ondansetron for anti-emetic prophylaxis did not provide a superior benefit compared to midazolam in the present study.     

Olanzapine as an add-on,pre-operative anti-emetic drug for postoperative nausea or vomiting: a randomised controlled trial

Postoperative nausea or vomiting occurs in up to 40% in patients with multiple risk factors, despite prophylaxis. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic drug that is used to prevent nausea and vomiting in palliative care and to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This study aimed to examine whether pre-operative olanzapine, as a prophylactic anti-emetic added to intra-operative dexamethasone, ondansetron and total intravenous anaesthesia, reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting. We performed a multiply-blinded randomised controlled trial in patients aged 18–60 years with cancer at high risk of postoperative nausea or vomiting (three or four risk factors according to the Apfel criteria) plus a previous history of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Patients were allocated at random to receive 10 mg olanzapine or placebo orally 1 h before surgery in addition to a two-drug regimen (dexamethasone and ondansetron) and propofol anaesthesia to prevent postoperative nausea or vomiting. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting in the first 24 h after surgery. In total, 100 patients were enrolled; 47 in the olanzapine group and 49 in the control group completed the study. The baseline characteristics of the groups were similar. The incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting in the first 24 h after surgery was lower in the olanzapine group (12/47, 26%) than in the control group (31/49, 63%) (p = 0.008, RR 0.40 (95%CI 0.21–0.79)). Adding pre-operative oral olanzapine to intra-operative dexamethasone and ondansetron was highly effective in reducing the risk of postoperative nausea or vomiting in the first 24 hours after surgery in patients with a previous history of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and at least three Apfel risk factors for postoperative nausea or vomiting.