Prophylactic administration of ondansetron in emergency intraabdominal operations

Efficiency of ondansetron, a selective 5- HT3 receptor antagonist, in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in 40 ASA I-II patients to undergo emergency intraabdominal operations is studied in a randomized, double-blind and placebo controlled study. Patients of no premedication are administered 4 mg i.v. ondansetron or placebo (saline) before induction. Thiopental (4 mg/kg) was used for induction, succinylcholine (2 mg/kg) for muscular relaxation, and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen and isoflurane (0.8-1.5%) for the maintenance, and fentanyl and norcuron were administered when necessary. Vital findings were closely monitored and recorded during anesthesia and during early postoperative period. Study was carried out during postoperative 0-Ih, 1-2h and 2-24 h periods. Nausea scores and emesis attacks of the patients were recorded during 0-1 and 1-2 h periods Ondansetron was found significantly more effective than placebo (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05). Although it was effective during 2-24 h period, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of vital findings, laboratory findings and side effects (p > 0.05). Therefore, it is concluded that administration of prophylactic i.v. ondansetron to patients undergoing emergency intraabdominal operations is effective in prevention of nausea and vomiting without any significant side effect.