Side effects following metrizamide myelography and lumbar laminectomy.

A retrospective study of 50 patients was undertaken to observe the postoperative side effects experienced by patients undergoing metrizamide (Amipaque) myelography followed by laminectomy on the same day and to compare them with side effects experienced if the laminectomy was postponed at least one day. Results documented that the incidence of nausea was statistically greater in Group 1 (myelogram and surgery the same day) than in Group 2 (delayed surgery). While the occurrence of vomiting and headache in Group 1 was also greater, the numbers did not reach statistical significance. Group 1 did require significantly more doses of antiemetics for a longer period of time. The groups did not differ in the length of time an intravenous (IV) infusion was in place, but Group 1 patients required a significantly greater number of urinary catheterizations for retention and residual for longer than three days. The length of stay and the time from surgery to discharge was the same for both groups.