Nausea and vomiting after strabismus surgery in preschool children

The incidence of nausea and vomiting after strabismus surgery was studied in 64 children aged one to six years. Incidence was determined in the post-anaesthesia recovery room (PARR), in the same day surgery (SDS) unit, and at home on days one and two after the operation. After induction of anaesthesia, the children received an intravenous injection of droperidol (50 micrograms . kg-1) or saline in a double-blind randomized fashion, and an intravenous injection of glycopyrrolate (7.5 micrograms . kg-1) or atropine (10 micrograms . kg-1) in an open randomized fashion. The incidence of emetic symptoms was highest in the SDS unit and at home on day one. Droperidol slightly but significantly delayed awakening and was not, at least in this particular age group, associated with any difference in postoperative sickness. Despite theoretical advantages, glycopyrrolate offered no significant benefit over atropine as far as postoperative emesis was concerned.