Effect of Oral Ondansetron in the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Following Diagnostic Laparoscopy in Daycare Patients

Abstract

Postoperative nausea with or without vomiting is probably the most common complication of gynaecological diagnostic laparoscopy surgery performed under general anaesthesia. Ondansetron, a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtype 3 (5HT3) antagonist, has been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Present study is undertaken to evaluate two doses of oral ondansetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. This double blind, randomized and placebo controlled study in ASA grade I and II daycare gynaecological patients conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of two doses of oral ondansetron (8mg) administered two hours prior to laparoscopy and repeated once 12 hours later. Frequency, severity of nausea and vomiting and side effects of ondansetron were noted. Oral ondansetron is significantly reduced the incidence and severity of post-operative nausea. The frequency and number of emetic episodes were also significantly reduced. Administration of oral ondansetron 8mg twice a day is a convenient and reliable method to effectively control postoperative nausea and vomiting in daycare patients.