Randomized,controlled trial of prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting with ondansetron or granisetron in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Abstract

Objective To compare the effect of ondansetron and granisetron on preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after cardiac surgery. Methods Ninety patients (30 cases in each of three groups) who underwent cardiac surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were enrolled in this randomized and double-blinded study. Group I received ondansetron 4 mg (in normal saline 20 ml)at the beginning of anesthesia. Group II received granisetron 3 mg (in normal saline 20 ml) at the beginning of anesthesia. Group III received normal saline 20 ml at the beginning of anesthesia. PONV episodes were recorded at 12 and 24 hours after surgery. Results The incidences of PONV at 12 and 24 hours after surgery in group I[20.0%(6/30),26.7%(8/30)]and group II[20.0%(6/30),23.3%(7/30)]were significantly lower than those in group III[72.4%(21/29),79.3%(23/29)](P＜0.01). No significant differences were observed in the terms of complete inhibition rate of PONV between group I and group II (P＞0.05). ConclusionsBoth ondansetron and granisetron have significant effect on reducing the incidence of PONV after cardiac surgery. Intravenous ondansetron (4 mg) or granisetron (3 mg) before anesthesia induction can prevent PONV with similar efficacy and safety. Key words: Ondansetron; Granisetron; Postoperative nausea and vomiting