AbstractIntroduction: The most common distressing symptom following surgery and anaesthesia are nausea and vomiting with an incidence of up to 20 to 30% despite newer medications like Ondansetron and steroids in our armamentarium.
Aims: To determine the efficacy of combination therapy with Ondansetron and Dexamethasone and each drug alone in prevention of Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) post laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Also to assess adverse effects if any.
Methods: 105 patients aged between 18 and 55 years belonging to ASA status 1 and 2, electively posted for lap cholecystectomy were randomly divided into three groups of 35 each. Gp A received 4mg Inj Ondansetron, Gp B received Inj Dexamethasone 8mg and Gp C received both drugs together. Similar anaesthesia and surgery techniques were used. Upto 24 h period was assessed for incidence of nausea and vomiting and need for rescue antiemetic. Statistical analysis: Chi square test and Student t test were used.
Results and Discussion: Overall cumulative incidence of PONV was 54.2% in A Gp, 25.7% in B Gp and 14.2% in Gp C. Complete response, that is no nausea and vomiting was seen in 85.7%in Gp C, 74.2% in Gp B and 45.82%in Gp A which was statistically significant. Ondansetron, a selective 5HT3 receptor antagonist is a good drug for PONV in gynaecological laparoscopy. Dexamethasone is effective against onco and chemotherapy related nausea and vomiting. Combination therapy of the 2 showed good results and reduction in incidence of PONV in lapchole cystectomy.