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Scopolamine patch reduces postoperative emesis in paediatric patients following strabismus surgery
Y Horimoto1, H Tomie, K Hanzawa
1Department of Anesthesia, Shizuoka Children's Hospital, Japan.
Insights
Scopolamine patches effectively reduced postoperative vomiting in children after strabismus surgery. This study demonstrates scopolamine
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Postoperative emesis is a common complication in pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery.
- Effective antiemetic strategies are crucial for patient recovery and reducing hospital stays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of scopolamine patches in preventing postoperative emesis in children.
- To compare the incidence and frequency of vomiting between scopolamine-treated and control groups.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 50 children undergoing strabismus surgery.
- Subjects received either a scopolamine patch (0.75 mg or 0.375 mg) or no patch (control).
- Standard anesthesia protocols were used, excluding narcotic premedicants.
Main Results:
- The incidence of postoperative vomiting was significantly lower in the scopolamine group (P < 0.05).
- The frequency of vomiting episodes was also significantly reduced with scopolamine treatment.
- No significant difference was noted between the two scopolamine dosages used.
Conclusions:
- Scopolamine patches are an effective prophylactic measure against postoperative emesis in pediatric strabismus surgery.
- The use of scopolamine patches can improve patient outcomes by reducing vomiting.
- Further research could explore optimal dosing and long-term effects.
Abstract:
Scopolamine patch was evaluated for the prevention of postoperative emesis in 50 children undergoing strabismus surgery. All subjects were premedicated, with none receiving narcotic premedicants. Anaesthesia included controlled ventilation with the use of muscle relaxants, atropine, and halothane. Before operation, the subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a treatment group received a scopolamine patch at a dose of either 0.75 mg or 0.375 mg, and a control group received no patch. Both the incidence and frequency of vomiting in the scopolamine-treated group were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower than in the control group.