Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Objective: To assess the efficacy of ondansetron and dexamethasone in the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Material and Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from May 2010 to December 2010. A total of 67 patients, aged 18 years and above, scheduled for elective cholecystectomy were included by purposive non probability sampling. All the patients received ondansetron 4mg and dexamethasone 8mg intravenously as prophylactic antiemetics at the commencement of surgery. Post operatively the frequency of nausea and vomiting was observed. Results: During the immediate postoperative 24 hour period, 57 (85%) patients did not experience nausea or vomiting. 10 (15%) patients experienced some degree of nausea and vomiting requiring administration of rescue anti emetic. No significant side effects were noted. Conclusion: The combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone administered prophylactically effectively prevents nausea and vomiting during the postoperative period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.