Influence of neostigmine on postoperative vomiting.
Thirty-eight patients undergoing elective hip or knee surgery were randomly allocated to two groups. Neuromuscular blockade in group A was antagonized with neostigmine 2.5 mg and atropine 1.2 mg, while group B received no drugs to facilitate antagonism of blockade. The incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting were assessed 24 h after operation. Nausea and vomiting were significantly reduced in group B. The incidence of nausea in group A was 68%, compared with 32% in group B (P less than 0.01). The incidence of vomiting was 47% in group A, compared with 11% in group B (P less than 0.02). A significant relationship was shown between postoperative emetic symptoms and the antagonism of neuromuscular blockade by neostigmine and atropine.
King
M J
MJ
Department of Anaesthesia, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex.
Milazkiewicz
R
R
Carli
F
F
Deacock
A R
AR
D000368:Aged; D001285:Atropine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D009325:Nausea / Q000517:prevention & control; D009388:Neostigmine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors; D014403:Tubocurarine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014839:Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*
D009388:Neostigmine; D001285:Atropine; D014403:Tubocurarine