Comparative study of palonosetron and ondansetron in prevention of post operative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gynaecological surgeries

Abstract

: Post operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication after general anaesthesia, specially post laparoscopic surgeries. This study compared efficacy of palonosetron with ondansetron for prevention and management of PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgeries. : 100 patients, undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery were randomly divided in 2 groups of 50 each. They received either ondansetron(4mg IV) or palonosetron (0.075mg IV) before induction of general anaesthesia. They were monitored post operatively till 72 hours for episodes of nausea, vomiting, overall PONV and adverse effects. : The incidence of overall PONV was significantly less in patients who received palonosetron as compared those who received ondansetron. Also, ondansetron group demonstrated higher use of rescue anti-emetic drug as compared with palonosetron group. No significant difference was found in incidence of adverse effects in both groups. : Palonosetron, having longer duration of action, is more effective in treating long term PONV compared to ondansetron in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgeries under general anesthesia.