title: The safety and efficacy of granisetron in postoperative vomiting in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy.
abstract: A high incidence of vomiting after tonsillectomy is consistently reported in the literature. Multiple trials with different pharmacological agents and alternative anesthetic techniques have been used in an attempt to decrease this, but results have been inconclusive and adverse effects occur frequently. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of granisetron (Kytril) in the prevention of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Fifty-four patients were included in this study. The study population was divided into an experimental (n = 28) and control group (n = 26) using a randomized double-blinded technique. The experimental group was treated with granisetron 10 micrograms/kg intravenously (IV) and the control group received saline solution IV. Episodes of vomiting were recorded throughout the hospital stay and for the 24 hours after surgery. A reduction in the incidence and severity of vomiting was shown to be significant in the experimental group, both in the hospital and at 24 hours postoperatively. High patient satisfaction was also reported in this group. Clinically, the prophylactic administration of granisetron intraoperatively in pediatric tonsillectomy patients should be considered to reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative vomiting.
authors.affiliation: Hurley Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Carnahan
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dato
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hartsuff
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D017829:Granisetron / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000932:Antiemetics; D017829:Granisetron