Ondansetron decreases emesis after tonsillectomy in children

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication in children following tonsillectomy.
• Effective antiemetic strategies are crucial for improving pediatric surgical outcomes and patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ondansetron in preventing vomiting after tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy in children.
• To compare ondansetron's antiemetic effect against a placebo in a pediatric surgical setting.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 60 pediatric patients.
• Participants received either ondansetron (0.15 mg/kg) or saline placebo post-anesthesia.
• Postoperative vomiting episodes were meticulously recorded over two days.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher proportion of children receiving ondansetron were emesis-free (77%) compared to the placebo group (27%) (P < 0.001).
• Fewer children in the ondansetron group experienced two or more vomiting episodes (7%) versus the placebo group (57%).
• No significant differences in vomiting incidence were observed on the day after surgery; abdominal cramping was a minor side effect in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Ondansetron is an effective agent for preventing acute postoperative vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy.
• The safety profile of ondansetron in this pediatric population was favorable, with minimal adverse events.
• Further research could explore ondansetron's role in managing delayed PONV.