Postoperative vomiting reduction after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with single dose of dexamethasone.
OBJECTIVE
The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is high after laparoscopic surgery. A number of drugs have been used for prevention; in some studies a single dexamethasone dose before induction of anaesthesia has been effective.


METHODS
To test the effectiveness of this therapy, we recruited 80 patients in a double-blind placebo-controlled study (dexamethasone 8 mg or placebo) scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We measured nausea, vomiting, postoperative pain and length of stay.


RESULTS
Patients who received preoperative dexamethasone had a reduction of PONV, but experienced the same degree of postoperative pain and remained in the hospital for the same duration. No apparent side effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Although only a small number of patients were tested, we confirm the efficacy of dexamethasone therapy for reduction of PONV. We suggest routine use of a single dose of dexamethasone for the prevention of PONV in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Bianchin
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Anesthesia Department, ASL 8 Asolo, G. Carretta City Hospital, Montebelluna, Treviso, Italy. andbia@libero.it
De Luca
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Caminiti
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000758:Anesthesia; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000932:Antiemetics; D003907:Dexamethasone