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A double-blind randomized prospective study comparing ondansetron with droperidol in the prevention of emesis

A Davis1, S Krige, D Moyes

  • 1King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Insights

Ondansetron effectively prevents postoperative emesis after strabismus surgery. Both 75 and 150 micrograms/kg doses of ondansetron showed comparable efficacy to droperidol, with no significant difference in outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common complications after anesthesia and surgery.
  • Strabismus surgery, particularly in pediatric patients, is associated with a significant risk of emesis.
  • Ondansetron and droperidol are established anti-emetic agents used to manage PONV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the anti-emetic efficacy of two doses of ondansetron against droperidol in preventing postoperative emesis.
  • To evaluate the impact of ondansetron and droperidol on recovery time and oral fluid tolerance following strabismus surgery.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, double-blind study involving 213 patients undergoing strabismus surgery.
  • Patients were randomized into three groups receiving either ondansetron 150 mcg/kg, ondansetron 75 mcg/kg, or droperidol 75 mcg/kg.
  • Standardized anesthetic techniques were employed, and emesis episodes, recovery time, and time to oral fluid tolerance were recorded.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of emesis within 24 hours was 19.7% for both ondansetron groups (A and B) and 28.2% for the droperidol group (C).
  • While ondansetron groups showed a lower incidence of emesis, the difference compared to droperidol was not statistically significant.
  • No statistically significant differences were observed in mean recovery room discharge times or time to tolerating oral fluids among the three groups.

Conclusions:

  • Ondansetron, at both 75 mcg/kg and 150 mcg/kg, demonstrated comparable anti-emetic efficacy to droperidol in preventing postoperative emesis after strabismus surgery.
  • The 75 mcg/kg dose of ondansetron was as effective as the higher dose in reducing emesis compared to droperidol.
  • Neither drug significantly impacted recovery time or oral fluid tolerance in this patient population.

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