European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Back ground: When prophylaxis is not used, ENT operations have a significant incidence of postoperative emesis. Antiemetic use as a preventative measure may lower total PONV-related resource use and expenses, improving patient satisfaction. Numerous methods have been employed to reduce the incidence of PONV such as pharmacological interventions for prophylaxis, altering the anaesthetic technique, or combining them all for optimum protection. The present study was conducted with an aim to compare the effectiveness between propofol and dexamethasone in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after ear, nose and throat surgery and to study any adverse effects associated with these drugs.
Materials and methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent ENT surgeries were divided into two groups with 30 in each group. Group A received dexamethasone 8mg and Group B received propofol 0.5mg/kg after completion of surgery. The incidence and severity of PONV and associated adverse effects were documented at immediate post-op, 30 minutes, 1^{st -}, 6^{th -} , 12^{th -} , and 24^th- hour after the administration of study drug. In addition, the requirement of rescue antiemetics in the overall 24 hours was documented.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the dexamethasone and propofol groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), type of surgery, ASA status, or duration of anaesthesia and surgery. Incidence of severe PONV (3.3% versus 12%, p =0.008) were statistically significantly lower in group A compared to patients in group B over the 6th-12thhour time period. The mean time to first nausea episode in group A was significantly more compared to group B (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Although the efficacy of dexamethasone and propofol in preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting in ENT surgeries are comparable dexamethasone produced better PONV protection than propofol.