[Efficacy of ondansetron, metoclopramide, droperidol and dexametasone in preventing post-gynecological videolaparoscopy nausea and vomiting in outpatient setting. Comparative study.].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although being considered one of the most effective drugs to control postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), ondansetron is unfeasible for routine use due to its high cost. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of droperidol, metoclopramide, and dexametasone as compared to ondansetron in preventing PONV after gynecological laparoscopies. METHODS Participated in the study 100 patients submitted to gynecological laparoscopies under general intravenous and inhalational anesthesia, who were randomly distributed in five groups according to the antiemetic medication. Group GO (n = 20) received ondansetron (4 mg); Group GM (n = 20) received metoclopramide (10 mg); Group GD (n = 20) received droperidol (1.25 mg); Group GX (n = 20) received dexametasone (8 mg); and Group GC - control group (n = 20) was not medicated. The following events were recorded: incidence of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting, hemodynamic parameters, PACU stay and anesthetic length. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences among groups in demographics, hemodynamic parameters, recovery and anesthetic length. There were statistical differences among groups in the incidence of nausea (GO < GD < GX < GM < GC) and vomiting (GO < GD < GX < GM < GC). CONCLUSIONS Ondansetron was the most effective agent in preventing nausea and vomiting, and droperidol was the closest drug to ondansetron in preventing PONV.