European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Postoperative vomiting or retching (POV) can lead to rare but serious medical complications, such as wound dehiscence, bleeding, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Hence the present study was planned to find out the effect of prophylactic dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under combined spinal epidural block. Influences of dexamethasone on patient satisfaction and postoperative analgesia were also observed as secondary objectives.
Methods: 110 female patients who are undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were included in this observational study. Patients were divided into two groups. 54 patients in group A and 56 patients in group B. Group A received 8mg dexamethasone i.v along with premedication The primary outcome variable was to compare post-operative nausea and vomiting using numerical rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcome variable was visual analogue scale of post- operative pain and overall patient satisfaction.
Results: Age, height, weight, ASA and hemodynamic parameters were compared between the 2 groups but were statistically insignificant. The PONV scores were significantly lower in group receiving dexamethasone during 0.5, 6, 12, 24h postoperatively. The VAS score for post- operative pain was also significantly lower in group receiving dexamethasone. Over all patient satisfaction was much better in those receiving dexamethasone as part of premedication, the total analgesic requirement was also significantly lower. There were no complications.