Randomised, prospective, controlled trial comparing tropisetron with metoclopramide and placebo in controlling postoperative nausea and vomiting.

OBJECTIVE To compare the results of Tropisetron, Metoclopramide and placebo on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing minilaparotomy cholecystectomy. SETTING Patients operated for minilaparotomy cholecystectomy in two private hospitals in Karachi. SUBJECTS Fifty consecutive patients of all ages and both sex who had simple cholelithiasis and underwent minilaparotomy cholecystectomy by a single surgeon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) at 2 hours and within 24 hours and requirement of rescue antiemetic. RESULTS Tropisetron was better than Metoclopramide and placebo in controlling postoperative nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION Tropisetron when given at induction at a dose of 2 mg. intravenously prevents PONV better than Metoclopramide and placebo in 2 hours and 24 hours. It also reduces the need for rescue antiemetic significantly.