Effect of single preoperative application of dexamethasone on the nausea, vomiting and pain after laparoscopic colorectal resection

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of single preoperative application of dexamethasone on the nausea, vomiting and pain after laparoscopic colorectal resection. Methods Sixty colorectal cancer patients were collected during November 2013 to April 2014 in the Second Department of Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University.These patients were randomly divided into two groups.Patients in control group were treated with laparoscopic surgery combined with routine fast track surgery.Patients in treatment group were additionally injected 5 mg dexamethasone intravenously half an hour before surgery.We scored the nausea, vomiting and pain at the time point of 0 to 2 hours, 2 to 24 hours, 24 to 48 hours after surgery respectively, and measured the level of serum CRP and dexamethasone one day before and one to three days after surgery. Results Preoperative application of dexamethasone resulted achieved a significant relief of nausea and vomiting 0 to 2 hours and 2 to 24 hours after surgery compared with the control group(P<0.05). The pain scoring of 2 hours after surgery in the control and treated group was 2.33±0.49 vs 1.60±0.63(P=0.001), 2 to 24 hours 2.27±0.64 vs 1.53±0.52(P=0.006), 24 to 48 hours 2.13±0.83 vs 1.47±0.51(P=0.014). The level of CRP and serum hydrocortisone 1 to 3 days after surgery was lower in the treated group than the control group(P<0.01). Conclusion Single preoperative application of glucocorticoidcan relieve the nausea, vomiting and pain after surgery for colorectal cancer patients, and it is safe and feasible. Key words: Colorectal neoplasms; Glucocorticoids; Fast track surgery; Nausea; Vomiting; Pain