Comparison of the Efficacy of Intravenous Palonosetron and Ondansetron for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy- A Randomised Double-Blind Controlled Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Postoperative nausea and vomiting is the most common distressing symptom after surgery. Women undergoing laparoscopic surgeries are particularly at risk. This study compares the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron and palonosetron in females undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 80 subjects between 18-65 years were randomly allocated into two groups of 40 each, Group O and Group P. Patients in Group O received injection ondansetron 4 mg intravenously and those in Group P received injection palonosetron 0.075 mg intravenously just prior to induction of anaesthesia. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), rescue antiemetics and any side effects were recorded in the first 24 hours. At the end of 24 hours, patient satisfaction was assessed with a 5-point scale. RESULTS The incidence of PONV requirement of rescue antiemetics and patient satisfaction score were comparable in both groups. There was no significant difference in side effects seen between the two groups. CONCLUSION The effects of palonosetron in preventing PONV was comparable to that of ondansetron after laparoscopic surgery.