Supplemental oxygen does not reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• High-concentration oxygen (80%) reduces nausea and vomiting after abdominal surgery, potentially by improving intestinal perfusion.
• Thyroid surgery is not typically associated with significant intestinal ischemia.
• The study investigated if perioperative oxygen impacts postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) risk in thyroidectomy patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the efficacy of supplemental perioperative oxygen in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after thyroidectomy.
• To compare the effects of 30% oxygen, 80% oxygen, and 30% oxygen with droperidol on PONV.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 150 patients undergoing thyroidectomy under sevoflurane anesthesia.
• Patients were assigned to receive either 30% oxygen, 80% oxygen, or 30% oxygen with droperidol (0.625 mg).
• Outcomes assessed included PONV incidence, severity, need for rescue antiemetics, and patient satisfaction within 24 hours post-surgery.

Main Results:

• The incidence of nausea was 48% (30% O2), 46% (80% O2), and 22% (30% O2 + droperidol).
• No significant difference in PONV was observed between the 30% and 80% oxygen groups.
• Droperidol significantly reduced PONV and shortened the time to first oral meal.

Conclusions:

• Supplemental oxygen is ineffective in preventing nausea and vomiting following thyroidectomy.
• Droperidol demonstrates effectiveness in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy.
• Further research may explore optimal antiemetic strategies for thyroid surgery patients.