Prevention of PONV with granisetron, droperidol and metoclopramide in female patients with history of motion sickness.

PURPOSE

Motion sickness is one of the patient-related factors associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of granisetron, droperidol and metoclopramide for preventing PONV in female patients with a history of motion sickness undergoing major gynaecological surgery.

METHODS

In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 120 patients received either 1.25 mg droperidol, 10 mg metoclopramide, 40 micrograms.kg-1 granisetron or placebo (saline) iv immediately before induction of anaesthesia. A standardized anaesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia were used in all patients. During the first 24 hr after anaesthesia, the incidence of PONV and adverse events were recorded by nursing-staff.

RESULTS

The treatment groups were similar for patient demographics, types of surgery, anaesthetics administered and opioid given. The incidence of PONV was 70%, 50%, 57% and 23% in the placebo, droperidol, metoclopramide and granisetron groups, respectively (P < 0.05; overall chi 2 test). No difference in the incidence of adverse events was observed in either group.

CONCLUSION

Granisetron is a better prophylactic antiemetic than droperidol or metoclopramide in female patients with a history of motion sickness undergoing major gynaecological surgery.