Related Experiment Videos
Prophylactic use of ondansetron for emesis after craniofacial operations in children
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey.
Insights
Children undergoing craniofacial surgery often experience postoperative nausea and vomiting. Prophylactic ondansetron significantly reduced vomiting episodes in pediatric patients, improving recovery outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Surgical Patient Care
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Craniofacial operations pose a high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in children.
- PONV can lead to delayed recovery, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and fistula formation.
- Ondansetron, a selective serotonin antagonist, shows efficacy in high-risk patient groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of intravenous ondansetron in preventing PONV in pediatric patients undergoing craniofacial surgery.
- To compare ondansetron's effectiveness against a placebo in this specific high-risk population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
- Participants received either intravenous ondansetron (0.15 mg/kg) or normal saline placebo at anesthesia induction.
- A second dose was administered 8 hours post-induction; vomiting episodes were recorded over 48 hours.
Main Results:
- Postoperative vomiting was significantly reduced in the ondansetron group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.000258).
- Ondansetron demonstrated a clear preventative effect on vomiting episodes following craniofacial procedures.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous ondansetron is effective in preventing postoperative vomiting in pediatric patients undergoing craniofacial operations.
- Prophylactic ondansetron administration can mitigate a common complication, potentially improving patient outcomes and recovery.
Abstract:
Children who undergo craniofacial operations are especially at risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting. These operations are more complex than the craniotomies for resective procedures. Postoperative vomiting is a common occurrence that can delay recovery and result in cerebrospinal fluid leak and fistula formation in these patients. Ondansetron, a selective serotonergic antagonist, is effective in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting in several high-risk populations. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the authors compared the prophylactic use of intravenous ondansetron 0.15 mg/kg with induction of anesthesia versus a placebo of normal saline 0.3 ml/kg with induction. A second dose was given 8 hours after the first dose. After surgery, episodes of vomiting were recorded separately in 0 to 2 hours, 2 to 6 hours, 6 to 12 hours, 12 to 24 hours, and 24 to 48 hours. Postoperative vomiting is significantly reduced in the ondansetron group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.000258). Ondansetron is effective in the prevention of postoperative vomiting in the pediatric population undergoing craniofacial operations.