Preoperative oral granisetron prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a commonly observed adverse effect of anaesthesia. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of granisetron administered orally for preventing PONV in female patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery.

METHODS:

In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 120 patients received orally either placebo or granisetron (1 mg, 2 mg or 4 mg) (n = 30 for each) 1 h before surgery. The same standard general plus regional anaesthetic technique was employed throughout. Postoperatively, during the first 24 h after anaesthesia, the incidence of PONV and adverse events was recorded by nursing staff.

RESULTS:

The incidence of PONV was 47% with placebo, 37% with granisetron 1 mg, 10% with granisetron 2 mg and 10% with granisetron 4 mg (P < 0.05; overall Fisher's exact probability test). No difference in the incidence of adverse events was observed among the groups.

CONCLUSION:

Preoperative oral granisetron in a minimum dose of 2 mg is effective for preventing PONV after major gynaecological surgery.

• Authors: Y Fujii, H Tanaka, H Toyooka
• Journal: Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica (Acta Anaesthesiol Scand) Vol. 42 Issue 6 Pg. 653-7 (Jul 1998) ISSN: 0001-5172 [Print] England
• PMID: 9689270 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Retracted Publication)

Chemical References

• Antiemetics
• Granisetron

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Anesthesia (adverse effects)
• Antiemetics (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Granisetron (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Gynecologic Surgical Procedures (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Nausea (etiology, prevention & control)
• Postoperative Complications (prevention & control)
• Premedication
• Prospective Studies
• Vomiting (etiology, prevention & control)