Effects of droperidol dosage on postoperative emetic symptoms following pediatric strabismus surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the frequency of postoperative emetic symptoms and side effects in pediatric strabismus surgery using four doses of droperidol.


METHODS
Randomized, blinded study.


METHODS
University eye institute.


METHODS
82 ASA physical status I and II pediatric patients, aged 1 to 16 years, undergoing outpatient strabismus surgery.


METHODS
Patients were assigned to one of four doses of droperidol (10, 20, 40, or 80 microg.kg(-1)) (Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). All patients received the same anesthetic management, with droperidol administered intravenously immediately after induction of anesthesia.


RESULTS
Postoperatively, patients were evaluated for emetic symptoms (nausea, retching, and/or vomiting) and side effects (postoperative sedation or extrapyramidal symptoms). There was a dose-dependent reduction of emetic symptoms seen with increasing droperidol dose. Predischarge emetic symptoms were 50%, 15%, 15%, and 5% in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (p < 0.009). Peak emetic symptoms were observed after discharge: 75%, 40%, 35%, and 15% in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (p < 0.003). Convalescence times, including awakening, extubation, recovery, and hospitalization, were unaffected by increasing droperidol dose. Sedation was similar in all groups and no patient exhibited any side effects. However, when patients exhibited emetic symptoms, discharge time increased from 207 +/- 57 minutes to 283 +/- 128 minutes (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic administration of droperidol 80 microg.kg(-1) is most effective in reducing postoperative emetic symptoms without increasing time to discharge. In those patients with emetic symptoms who also received prophylactic droperidol, time to discharge was significantly delayed.
Department of Anesthesiology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Stanley W
SW
Stead
Christopher D
CD
Beatie
Mary A
MA
Keyes
Sherwin J
SJ
Isenberg
D000293:Adolescent; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004329:Droperidol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013285:Strabismus / Q000601:surgery*
D000932:Antiemetics; D004329:Droperidol