[The effect of neostigmine and atropine combination on postoperative nausea and vomiting after arthroscopic surgery]

Postoperative nausea and vomiting prolong the time spent in postanesthesia recovery units. In this study, we investigated the effect of neostigmine and atropine combination, used to avoid residual curarization, on nausea and vomiting.

The study included 40 ASA I-II patients who were planned to have a short-term arthroscopic operation. The patients were administered a single dose of 0.4 mg/kg atracurium besylate for muscle relaxation, and then, were randomly divided into two groups. In group I, neuromuscular blockade was eliminated with 1.5 mg neostigmine and 0.5 mg atropine, whereas group II patients underwent spontaneous resolution. The patients were evaluated for nausea and vomiting and the need for antiemetic drugs in the recovery unit, patient room, and on the postoperative second day.

There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to hemodynamic parameters and peripheral oxygen saturation. The mean operation time did not differ significantly (p>0.05), but the mean extubation time was significantly shorter in group I (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed for the occurrence of nausea and vomiting and the need for antiemetic drugs in the recovery unit, patient room, and on the postoperative second day (p>0.05).

In patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery, it is safe to use neostigmine and atropine combination before extubation to avoid residual neuromuscular blockade associated with the use of non-depolarizing myorelaxants.