Objective
To determine the efficacy of single dose (16 mg) dexamethasone in prevention of post laparoscopic cholecystectomy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Patient and Methods
This randomized study was conducted at Princess Haya Hospital for a period of eight months from January 2009 to September 2009. Sixty patients were administered a single dose of dexamethasone (decadron) injection two hours prior surgery and another 60 were randomized to be a control group. All patients underwent assessments every 2 hour post operatively for antiemetic control over the first 24 hours.
Results
Nausea and vomiting were absent in 42 (70%) patients, 8 (13.3%) had vomiting, and 10 (16.6%) had nausea in the post operative period. In control group, nausea and vomiting were absent in 14 (23.3%) patients, 22 (36.6%) had vomiting, and 24 (40%) had nausea in the post operative period. Thus 46 (76.6%) patients in control group had nausea and vomiting. Seven (11.6%) patients required rescue antiemetic (metoclopramide) with ringer lactate infusion drip in dexamethasone group, while 20 (30%) needed rescue antiemetic in the control group.
Conclusion
Dexamethasone injection decreased post operative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. (Rawal Med J 2011;36:291-293).
Key words: Nausea, vomiting, PONV, dexamethasone.
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