Background:Laparoscopic surgeries are the second most common cause of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), which would cause unexpected delay in hospital discharge. This study intends to compare the efficacy and safety of the combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone with ondansetron alone given as prophylaxis for PONV in adults undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery.Materials and Methods:One hundred adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries were selected and were randomly divided into 2 groups of 50 each. Group I received 4 mg of ondansetron intravenously (i.v.), whereas Group II received ondansetron 4 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg i.v. just before induction of anesthesia. Postoperatively, the patients were assessed for episodes of nausea, vomiting, and need for rescue antiemetic at intervals of 0–2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. Postoperative pain scores and time for the first analgesic dose were also noted.Results:Results were analyzed statistically. Complete response defined as no nausea or emesis and no need for rescue antiemetic during first 24 h, was noted in 76% of patients who received ondansetron alone, while similar response was seen in 92% of patients in combination group. Rescue antiemetic requirement was less in combination group (8%) as compared with ondansetron group.Conclusion:Combination of ondanserton and dexamethasone is more effective in preventing post operative nausea vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery than ondansetron alone.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheal intubation is a foremost cause of trauma to the airway mucosa, resulting in postoperative sorethroat (POST). The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of ketamine gargle with placebo in preventing POST after endotracheal intubation. METHODS: Forty patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, control trial. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 20 patients each: Group C, gargling with drinking water 30 ml; Group K, gargling with ketamine 50 mg in drinking water 30 ml for 30 s, 5 min before induction of anaesthesia. POST was graded at 4, 8, and 24 hours respectively after operation on a four- point scale (0-3). RESULTS: POST occurred more frequently in Group C, when compared with Group K at 4, 8, and 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine gargle reduces the incidence of POST after endotracheal intubation.

Introduction: Patients with deep neck infections present challenging airways for an anesthesiologist. Patients with Ludwig's angina may die as a result of the inability to effectively manage the airway.