Evaluation of postural stability after low-dose droperidol in outpatients undergoing gynaecological dilatation and curettage procedure.
BACKGROUND
Low-dose droperidol is suggested to be cost-effective in preventing nausea and vomiting after ambulatory surgery. This clinical study evaluated patient postural stability using a computerized force platform after an i.v. dose of droperidol 0.625 mg in outpatients undergoing gynaecological dilatation and curettage procedures.


METHODS
After institutional approval and informed consent, 120 females were randomly assigned to receive either 0.9% saline (placebo) or droperidol 0.625 mg i.v. before surgery. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2-2.5 mg kg-1 and fentanyl 50-100 micrograms, and was maintained with intermittent boluses of propofol 25-50 mg and fentanyl 25-50 micrograms i.v. After operation, the Post-Anaesthesia Discharge Score (PADS), patient self-assessment scores for pain, nausea, drowsiness and dizziness, and extrapyramidal symptoms were recorded. Body sway velocity was measured while the patient was standing on a firm surface with eyes open then closed vs standing on a foam surface with eyes open then closed, at the time of arrival in the operation holding area (baseline), on achieving a PADS of 9 after surgery and on discharge home.


RESULTS
At the time of achieving a PADS of 9, body sway was significantly greater in the droperidol group than in the placebo group (overall 61% vs 33% above baseline). There were no differences between groups with respect to scores for pain, nausea, drowsiness and dizziness. Three patients (5%) in the droperidol group reported nervousness and restlessness postoperatively (not significant).


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose droperidol 0.625 mg i.v. for anti-emetic prophylaxis can cause balance disturbances in females after gynaecological dilatation and curettage procedures.
Song
D
D
Department of Anaesthesia, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst Street EC2-046, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada.
Chung
F
F
Yogendran
S
S
Wong
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004107:Dilatation and Curettage; D004329:Droperidol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects*; D011187:Posture; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000932:Antiemetics; D004329:Droperidol