The efficacy of ginger in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgery.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To study the efficacy of ginger in prevention of nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN:

Double blind randomized controlled trial.

SETTING:

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thammasat University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand.

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

From March 2005 to April 2006, 120 patients who underwent major gynecologic surgery were randomized into group A (n = 60) and group B (n = 60). The patients in group A received two capsules of ginger taken one hour before the procedure (one capsule contains 0.5 gram of ginger powder). The patients in group B received the placebo. The visual analog nausea score (VANS) and frequency of vomiting were evaluated at 0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the operation.

RESULTS:

The results demonstrated the statistically significant differences in nausea between group A (48.3%) and group B (66.7%). The VANS was lower in group A compared to group B at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours. The most statistically significant differences occurred at 2 and 6 hour. The incidence and frequency of vomiting in group A were lower than group B. Side effects caused by ginger were not detected.

CONCLUSION:

Ginger has efficacy in prevention of nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgery.

• Authors: Tongta Nanthakomon, Densak Pongrojpaw
• Journal: Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet (J Med Assoc Thai) Vol. 89 Suppl 4 Pg. S130-6 (Oct 2006) ISSN: 0125-2208 [Print] Thailand
• PMID: 17725149 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antiemetics

Topics

• Adult
• Antiemetics (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Genital Neoplasms, Female (complications)
• Ginger
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Nausea (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Postoperative Complications (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Pregnancy
• Time Factors
• Vomiting (chemically induced, drug therapy)