Low-dose dexamethasone reduces nausea and vomiting after tympanomastoid surgery: a comparison of tropisetron with saline.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose dexamethasone sodium phosphate (5 mg) on the prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting after tympanomastoid surgery. Tropisetron hydrochloride (2 mg) and saline were used as controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

One hundred twenty patients (n = 40 in each of 3 groups) undergoing general anesthesia for tympanomastoid surgery were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Following endotracheal intubation, group 1 received intravenous dexamethasone 5 mg, whereas groups 2 and 3 received intravenous 2 mg tropisetron and saline, respectively. Several parameters connected with the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Dexamethasone 5 mg significantly reduced the total incidence of nausea and vomiting by 40% (P =.002). Dexamethasone also reduced the incidence of vomiting episodes by more than 4-fold (P =.03) and the incidence of patients requiring rescue antiemetics (P =.02). Tropisetron at a 2-mg dose did not exhibit any significant antiemetic effect.

CONCLUSIONS:

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate 5 mg was more effective than 2 mg tropisetron hydrochloride and saline in the prevention of nausea and vomiting after tympanomastoid surgery.

• Authors: Jhi-Joung Wang, Pa-Chun Wang, Yun-Hou Liu, Chih-Cheng Chien
• Journal: American journal of otolaryngology (Am J Otolaryngol) 2002 Sep-Oct Vol. 23 Issue 5 Pg. 267-71 ISSN: 0196-0709 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12239690 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)

Chemical References

• Antiemetics
• Indoles
• Tropisetron
• Dexamethasone

Topics

• Adult
• Antiemetics (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Dexamethasone (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Indoles (therapeutic use)
• Injections, Intravenous
• Male
• Mastoid (surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (prevention & control)
• Tropisetron
• Tympanoplasty (adverse effects)