Low-dose droperidol reduces postoperative vomiting in paediatric day surgery.
In a prospective, randomized, blind study, we assessed the effectiveness of droperidol 20 micrograms kg-1 i.v., given at induction of anaesthesia, in preventing postoperative vomiting in paediatric day-case patients. We studied 270 children, aged 1-15 yr, undergoing body surface surgery. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of vomiting in the recovery room (1.4% vs 9.2%, P < 0.005) and in the day ward (9.4% vs 18.3%, P < 0.05) in patients receiving droperidol. There was no significant difference on the journey home (9.5% vs 17.83%, ns) or at home (16.7% vs 10.3%, ns). There was also a reduction in the severity of vomiting in the droperidol group. There were no adverse side effects.
Lunn
D V
DV
Shackleton Department of Anaesthesia, Southampton General Hospital.
Lauder
G R
GR
Williams
A R
AR
Pickering
R M
RM
McQuillian
P J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004329:Droperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*
D004329:Droperidol