Use of Dexamethasone on the Prophylaxis of Nausea and Vomiting After Tympanomastoid Surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic effect of dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing tympanomastoid surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty patients (n = 40 in each of two groups) undergoing tympanomastoid surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. METHODS: After tracheal intubation, group 1 received 10 mg dexamethasone intravenously, whereas group 2 received saline intravenously. Several parameters concerning with the occurrence of PONV were evaluated. RESULTS: We found that dexamethasone reduced the total incidence of nausea and vomiting by 45%, with a 95% confidence interval of 26% to 64% (P <.001). Furthermore, dexamethasone reduced the incidence of vomiting episodes >4 times and the incidence of patients requiring rescue antiemetics (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone at a dosage of 10 mg administered intravenously is effective in preventing PONV in patients undergoing tympanomastoid surgery.