Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting In Adults Research Articles

Olanzapine as a prophylactic antiemetic for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe antiemetic effectiveness of olanzapine, as a prophylactic off-label antiemetic drug, for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is unknown. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors evaluate the efficacy and side effects of olanzapine as a prophylactic antiemetic in adult patients who undergo general anesthesia and assess adverse effects. MethodsA systematic search was done on electronic bibliographic databases in July 2023. Randomized controlled trials of olanzapine as a prophylactic antiemetic for PONV in adults who underwent general anesthesia were included. The authors excluded non-RCTs and retracted studies. The authors set no date of publication or language limits. The outcomes were the incidence of PONV within 24 h postoperatively and the safety of olanzapine. The risk of bias was assessed according to the tool suggested by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. ResultsMeta-analysis included 446 adult patients. Olanzapine reduced on average 38 % the incidence of PONV. The estimated risk ratio (95 % CI) of olanzapine versus control was 0.62 (0.42–0.90), p = 0.010, I2 = 67 %. In the subgroup meta-analysis, doses of olanzapine (10 mg) reduced on average 49 % of the incidence of PONV (RR = 0.51 [0.34–0.77], p = 0.001, I2 = 31 %). ConclusionsThis systematic review with meta-analysis indicated that olanzapine as a prophylactic antiemetic alone or combined with other antiemetic agents reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, this conclusion must be presented with some degree of uncertainty due to the small number of studies included. There was a lack of any evidence to draw conclusions on side effects.

Effective role of aromatherapy in reducing big little problem-postoperative nausea and vomiting: A systematic review.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common and distressing side effects after surgery and anesthesia. Pharmacological treatment is not sufficient to manage these two symptoms. Although the use of certain anesthetic agents is considered the main basis for this phenomenon, the exact factors are unknown. Aromatherapy is effective in reducing PONV in adults. The aim of this review is to scan the studies evaluating the effect of aromatherapy on the management of nausea and vomiting in the postoperative. A literature search was performed by scanning Cochrane Reviews, PubMed, OVID, Sciences Direct, and Google Scholar. Keywords "aromatherapy," "use of aromatherapy," "aromatherapy oils," "nausea," "vomiting," "postoperative nausea and vomiting," and "PONV" combined with Boolean operators, including AND, OR, and NOT. Data gathered from studies published from 2013 to 2023 were reviewed for the effect of aromatherapy on PONV. As a result of the screening, 12 studies out of a total of 706 studies were examined based on the inclusion criteria. In the studies, aromatherapy was used either by inhalation or orally. The plants that were used the most in these studies were ginger and mint. When the literature was reviewed, it was found that aromatherapy reduced the rate of nausea and vomiting and the need for antiemetics, especially in the first minutes after surgery. Using aromatherapy in surgical patients may relieve common postoperative symptoms. The limitations of drug therapy have led to an increase in the use of alternative drugs for the management of nausea and vomiting. Aromatherapy was favored by most patients and is an effective treatment option for PONV.

Post-operative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis: A meta-review on systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common complications in surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia, and multiple strategies have been suggested to prevent them.
 Objective: To describe the available evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for preventing PONV in adults undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, as reported in previous meta-analyses and systematic reviews.
 Methodology: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted. Searches were performed in PubMed, EBSCO, EMBASE, Cochrane Database, Science Direct, and Scopus, without restrictions as to gender, clinical condition, or date of publication, including articles in Spanish, French, and English only. Two reviewers independently and in duplicate did the screening, data extraction, quality evaluation, and risk of bias assessment according to AMSTAR-2. The PRISMA and PRIOR statements were followed for reporting. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021251999.
 Results: Out of 80 candidate articles, three were viable for meta-analysis. 1.5 mg to 18 mg doses of Dexamethasone showed a significant reduction in the risk of PONV, with a RR of 0.48 (95 % CI 0.41-0.57; p<0.001), I2=63 % (p=0.07), and a NNTc of 5 and 7. Other effective strategies included the use of acoustic stimulation/acupuncture/acupressure, 5HT3 antagonists, NK1 antagonists, gabapentinoids, haloperidol, droperidol, metoclopramide, midazolam, mirtazapine, among others. The risk of publication bias was low.
 Conclusion: Different strategies are effective for PONV prophylaxis in surgeries under general anesthesia. Dexamethasone shows the best available evidence at the moment. The documented methodological quality suggests the need for better studies to establish the effectiveness of the strategies.

Clinical experience with the use of inhaled isopropyl alcohol to treat nausea and vomiting: A narrative review.

Isopropyl alcohol (IA) is a colorless, flammable organic compound that has been used in the manufacturing process of a wide variety of industrial and household chemicals. Inhalation of its vapor has been noted to potentially have antiemetic effects, which may be useful in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, given the varied study protocols and endpoints assessing its efficacy as antiemetic, clinical trials have yielded mixed results. If effective, inhalation of IA may be a cost-effective, readily available, and inexpensive therapy that can be used for the treatment of PONV with a low risk of adverse effects. The following narrative review explores the available information regarding the mechanism of action of IA in treating PONV, presents clinical information including possible mechanism of action and clinical applications, and reviews the published literature on its efficacy to treat nausea and vomiting with a focus on its use postoperatively. While early studies suggested that inhaled IA may be successful for the short-term treatment of PONV compared with placebo, subsequent studies both in and out of the operating room (OR) have reported conflicting results. In general, studies in the perioperative setting have provided some evidence to support the use of inhaled IA in alleviating or reducing the severity of PONV in adults. In particular, inhaled IA may have a more rapid onset compared with traditional antiemetic agents, but the clinical effect has generally been found to be short-lived. The results outside of the OR and perioperative setting have been somewhat more favorable, generally showing that inhaled IA reduces nausea and vomiting of various etiologies in adults in the emergency department setting. Similarly, it has been shown to reduce the need for rescue antiemetic agents in this area and thus may be considered a cost-cutting strategy with no reported adverse effects. The available literature suggests that inhaled IA may be considered a potential therapy to achieve rapid relief of PONV and assist in the management of nausea and vomiting in adult patients outside of the perioperative setting. There remain insufficient data to determine how inhaled IA may impact PONV in children. Given the mixed results and the limitations of the current studies, additional data are needed to draw firm conclusions regarding the utility of inhaled IA.

Dexamethasone for the treatment of established postoperative nausea and vomiting: A randomised dose finding trial.

Dexamethasone is widely used for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) but little is known about its efficacy for the treatment of established PONV. To test the antiemetic efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone for the treatment of established PONV in adults undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia and to determine whether there is dose-responsiveness. The DexPonv trial is a multicentre, placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, dose-finding study. Inclusion of patients was between September 2012 and November 2017. Follow-up for PONV symptoms was for 24 h. Thirty days postoperatively, patients were contacted by study nurses for any information on postoperative bleeding and infection. Four public hospitals in Switzerland. A total of 803 adults scheduled for elective surgery without any antiemetic prophylaxis signed the consent form; 714 were included. Among those, 319 had PONV and 281 patients were eventually randomised (intention to treat population and safety set). The per protocol set consisted of 260 patients. Patients with PONV symptoms (including retching) were randomised to a single intravenous dose of dexamethasone 3, 6 or 12 mg or matching placebo. The primary endpoint was the absence of further nausea or vomiting (including retching), within 24 h after administration of the study drug. Dexamethasone was ineffective during the first 24 h, whatever the dosage, compared to placebo, even when the model was adjusted for known risk factors (P = 0.170). There were no differences in the time to treatment failure or the quality of sleep during the first night. There was a positive correlation between the dose of dexamethasone and blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.001), but not with bleeding risk, wound infections or other adverse effects. This randomised trial failed to show anti-emetic efficacy of any of the tested intravenous regimens of dexamethasone for the treatment of established PONV in adults undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01975727).

Amisulpride: A Review in Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting.

Amisulpride intravenous (IV) injection (Barhemsys®; hereafter referred to as IV amisulpride), a selective dopamine receptor antagonist, is approved in the USA as a single IV infusion for the prevention and treatment of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in adults. Results from placebo-controlled phase III trials showed that IV amisulpride is efficacious both in the prevention of PONV (used either alone or in combination with an antiemetic of a different class) and in the treatment of PONV (irrespective of prior antiemetic prophylaxis status). When administered as a single IV infusion, amisulpride had a tolerability profile that was generally similar to that of placebo, with no significant safety concerns identified. Thus, IV amisulpride is a useful additional option in the prevention and treatment of PONV in adults, particularly for patients who have failed previous antiemetic prophylaxis and for whom effective treatment options may be limited.

Amisulpride: A New Drug for Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting.

To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of amisulpride and determine its role in the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). A PubMed search (1946 to November 2020) using the terms amisulpride and APD421 was conducted. Relevant reports on intravenous amisulpride were included. Six clinical trials were evaluated. In 4 trials on the prevention of PONV, a greater percentage of patients who received amisulpride 5 mg compared with placebo experienced a complete response (44%-60% vs 31%-33%, respectively, when used as monotherapy; 58% vs 47%, respectively, when used in combination with another antiemetic). In 2 trials on the treatment of PONV, a significantly greater percentage of patients who received amisulpride 10 mg compared with placebo experienced a complete response (31.4% vs 21.5%, respectively, in patients who had not received prophylaxis; 41.7% vs 28.5%, respectively, in patients who had received prophylaxis). Adverse effects included infusion site pain, chills, hypokalemia, procedural hypotension, and abdominal distension. Amisulpride is effective for the management of PONV and may be less likely to cause QT prolongation and extrapyramidal symptoms than other dopamine antagonists. Additional information is needed on its use for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and in children. Amisulpride is an important new option for the multimodal management of PONV in adults, and it may be the preferred dopamine antagonist because of the more favorable safety profile that results from its unique pharmacological properties.

The impact of crystalloid versus colloid fluids on postoperative nausea and vomiting: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Study objectiveEvidence suggests that administering appropriate volumes of perioperative fluid replacement therapies can decrease the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, the relative effects of colloids and crystalloids on PONV are still unclear. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether administering colloids to adults undergoing noncardiac surgery significantly reduces PONV incidence and rescue antiemetic use, compared with administering crystalloids. DesignThis study has been registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42016036174). We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the incidence of PONV and rescue antiemetic use in surgical patients randomized to receive colloid or crystalloid fluids. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored through I2 statistics. PatientsNine randomized trials that included a total of 843 surgical patients met the inclusion criteria. MeasurementsThe primary outcome of interest was the incidence of overall PONV. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative nausea (PON), postoperative vomiting (POV), and rescue antiemetic use. Main resultsCompared with crystalloid fluids, perioperative colloid administration did not reduce the incidence of overall PONV (RR 0.802; 95% CI: 0.561, 1.145; I2 = 57.168%). However, the colloid infusion group (RR 0.625; 95% CI: 0.440, 0.888) had reduced PONV compared with the crystalloid infusion group (RR 1.244; 95% CI: 0.742, 2.085), in the subgroup with anesthesia duration >3 h and who underwent major surgery. Meta-regression analysis also showed that the slope was significant (p = 0.04215) for duration of anesthesia. ConclusionsColloid administration reduced the incidence of PONV in adults undergoing elective, noncardiac, major surgery under general anesthesia for >3 h. However, clinical studies performed in larger cohorts are required to determine the impact of colloids on PONV.

Randomized trial of acupuncture with antiemetics for reducing postoperative nausea in children.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common after tonsillectomy in children. There is evidence that perioperative acupuncture at the pericardium 6 (P6) point is effective for preventing PONV in adults. Our goal was to determine if intraoperative acupuncture at the P6 point, in addition to usual antiemetics, is more effective than antiemetics alone in preventing PONV in children. In a randomized double-blind trial, 161 children age 3 through 9years undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy were randomized to either bilateral acupuncture at P6 plus antiemetics (n=86) or antiemetics only (n=75). All participants received ondansetron 0.15mg/kg and dexamethasone 0.25mg/kg, up to 10mg. The presence of nausea, retching, emesis and administration of additional antiemetics were recorded during phases I and II of PACU recovery. Follow-up calls occurred on postoperative day 1 (POD 1). During phase I and II recovery, the incidence of PONV was significantly less with acupuncture than without (7.0% vs 34.7%, RR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.09-0.46; P<0.001). The difference in PONV was driven by less nausea in the acupuncture group (5.0% vs 24.0%), with no difference in vomiting between the two groups. In the first 24 hours, PONV occurred in 36.1% with acupuncture and 49.3% without; these values did not differ significantly (P=0.09). Children receiving acupuncture plus antiemetic therapy had less risk of developing nausea during phase I and II recovery, but there was no difference in PONV on POD 1. Acupuncture may reduce nausea in the PACU, even when combined with antiemetics.

Aromatherapy for treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Aromatherapy for treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Aromatherapy for the treatment of PONV in children: a pilot RCT.

BackgroundPostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common postoperative complications of general anesthesia in pediatrics. Aromatherapy has been shown to be effective in treating PONV in adults. Given the encouraging results of the adult studies, we planned to determine feasibility of doing a large-scale study in the pediatric population.MethodsOur group conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial examining the effect of aromatherapy on post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients 4–16 undergoing ambulatory surgery at a single center. Nausea was defined as a score of 4/10 on the Baxter Retching Faces Scale (BARF scale). A clinically significant reduction was defined as a two-point reduction in Nausea. Post operatively children were administered the BARF scale in 15 min internals until discharge home or until nausea score of 4/10 or greater. Children with nausea were randomized to saline placebo group or aromatherapy QueaseEase™ (Soothing Scents, Inc, Enterprise, AL: blend of ginger, lavender, mint and spearmint). Nausea scores were recorded post intervention.ResultsA total of 162 subjects were screened for inclusion in the study. Randomization occurred in 41 subjects of which 39 were included in the final analysis. For the primary outcome, 14/18 (78 %) of controls reached primary outcome compared to 19/21 (90 %) in the aromatherapy group (p = 0.39, Eta 0.175). Other outcomes included use of antiemetic in PACU (control 44 %, aromatherapy 52 % P = 0.75, Eta 0.08), emesis (Control 11 %, 9 % aromatherapy, P = 0.87, Eta = 0.03). There was a statistically significant difference in whether subjects continued to use the intervention (control 28 %, aromatherapy 66 %, p-value 0.048, Eta 0.33).ConclusionAromatherapy had a small non-significant effect size in treating postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with control. A large-scale randomized control trial would not be feasible at our institution and would be of doubtful utility.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02663154.

Scopolamine-induced "cholinergic stress test" in the elderly.

The excellent review article published in Frontiers in Pharmacology by Antor et al. (9 April 2014), concludes: “Clinical trials with transdermal scopolamine have consistently demonstrated its safety and efficacy in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Thus, scopolamine is a promising candidate for the management of PONV in adults as a first line monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. In addition, transdermal scopolamine might be helpful in preventing postoperative discharge nausea and vomiting owing to its long-lasting clinical effects.” We believe a cautionary note is required before granting unrestricted endorsement to this treatment. In our experience, the use of scopolamine in the elderly may trigger episodes of amnestic delirium. The following case exemplifies the effect of transdermal scopolamine for prevention of motion sickness during a vacation ship cruise by a previously normal elderly woman.

The effect of transdermal scopolamine for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common and undesirable complaints recorded in as many as 70–80% of high-risk surgical patients. The current prophylactic therapy recommendations for PONV management stated in the Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) guidelines should start with monotherapy and patients at moderate to high risk, a combination of antiemetic medication should be considered. Consequently, if rescue medication is required, the antiemetic drug chosen should be from a different therapeutic class and administration mode than the drug used for prophylaxis. The guidelines restrict the use of dexamethasone, transdermal scopolamine, aprepitant, and palonosetron as rescue medication 6 h after surgery. In an effort to find a safer and reliable therapy for PONV, new drugs with antiemetic properties and minimal side effects are needed, and scopolamine may be considered an effective alternative. Scopolamine is a belladonna alkaloid, α-(hydroxymethyl) benzene acetic acid 9-methyl-3-oxa-9-azatricyclo non-7-yl ester, acting as a non-selective muscarinic antagonist and producing both peripheral antimuscarinic and central sedative, antiemetic, and amnestic effects. The empirical formula is C17H21NO4 and its structural formula is a tertiary amine L-(2)-scopolamine (tropic acid ester with scopine; MW = 303.4). Scopolamine became the first drug commercially available as a transdermal therapeutic system used for extended continuous drug delivery during 72 h. Clinical trials with transdermal scopolamine have consistently demonstrated its safety and efficacy in PONV. Thus, scopolamine is a promising candidate for the management of PONV in adults as a first line monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. In addition, transdermal scopolamine might be helpful in preventing postoperative discharge nausea and vomiting owing to its long-lasting clinical effects.

Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

The present guidelines are the most recent data on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and an update on the 2 previous sets of guidelines published in 2003 and 2007. These guidelines were compiled by a multidisciplinary international panel of individuals with interest and expertise in PONV under the auspices of the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia. The panel members critically and systematically evaluated the current medical literature on PONV to provide an evidence-based reference tool for the management of adults and children who are undergoing surgery and are at increased risk for PONV. These guidelines identify patients at risk for PONV in adults and children; recommend approaches for reducing baseline risks for PONV; identify the most effective antiemetic single therapy and combination therapy regimens for PONV prophylaxis, including nonpharmacologic approaches; recommend strategies for treatment of PONV when it occurs; provide an algorithm for the management of individuals at increased risk for PONV as well as steps to ensure PONV prevention and treatment are implemented in the clinical setting.

Low-dose droperidol (≤1 mg or ≤15 μg kg−1) for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults

Droperidol is widely used for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in European countries. It is unclear how efficacious low-dose droperidol is in the prevention of PONV. To test the efficacy of low-dose droperidol in the prevention of PONV in adults and to test for dose-responsiveness. Systematic review of randomised controlled trials with meta-analyses. Comprehensive search in electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Central) up to June 2011. Additional trials were obtained from bibliographies of retrieved reports. No language restriction was applied. Randomised trials testing prophylactic intravenous droperidol ≤1 mg or ≤15 μg kg compared with placebo (or no treatment) in adults undergoing general anaesthesia and reporting on PONV. We analysed 25 trials (2957 patients). Doses varied from 0.25 to 1.0 mg. For prevention of early nausea (within 6 h postoperatively), relative risk (RR) was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.35 to 0.58); number needed to treat (NNT) was 7, 4, and 2 for low, medium and high baseline risk (i.e. control event rate 25, 50, 75%). For prevention of early vomiting, RR was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.57 to 0.74), NNT 11, 6, and 4. For prevention of late nausea (within 24 h), RR was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.87), NNT 15, 8, and 5. For prevention of late vomiting, RR was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80), NNT 10, 5, and 3. Droperidol decreased the risk of headache but increased the risk of restlessness. For these outcomes there was no evidence of dose-responsiveness. There were no differences in the incidences of sedation or dizziness. Two patients receiving droperidol 0.625 mg had extrapyramidal symptoms. Cardiac toxicity data were not reported. Prophylactic doses of droperidol of 1 mg or below are antiemetic. Because adverse drug reactions are likely to be dose-dependent, there is an argument to stop using doses of more than 1 mg.

Comparison of ondansetron and combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone as a prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery.

Background:Laparoscopic surgeries are the second most common cause of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), which would cause unexpected delay in hospital discharge. This study intends to compare the efficacy and safety of the combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone with ondansetron alone given as prophylaxis for PONV in adults undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery.Materials and Methods:One hundred adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries were selected and were randomly divided into 2 groups of 50 each. Group I received 4 mg of ondansetron intravenously (i.v.), whereas Group II received ondansetron 4 mg and dexamethasone 4 mg i.v. just before induction of anesthesia. Postoperatively, the patients were assessed for episodes of nausea, vomiting, and need for rescue antiemetic at intervals of 0–2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. Postoperative pain scores and time for the first analgesic dose were also noted.Results:Results were analyzed statistically. Complete response defined as no nausea or emesis and no need for rescue antiemetic during first 24 h, was noted in 76% of patients who received ondansetron alone, while similar response was seen in 92% of patients in combination group. Rescue antiemetic requirement was less in combination group (8%) as compared with ondansetron group.Conclusion:Combination of ondanserton and dexamethasone is more effective in preventing post operative nausea vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery than ondansetron alone.

Efficacy of perphenazine to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting: a quantitative systematic review

despite the introduction of newer antiemetics in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), perphenazine is recommended in current guidelines, as the concept of multimodal management of PONV in high-risk patients requires more than two drugs to be combined. The aim of this quantitative systematic review was to assess the efficacy and safety of perphenazine in the prophylaxis of PONV in adults and children. randomised controlled trials investigating the efficacy of perphenazine in the prevention of PONV in comparison with any other drug or placebo were systematically searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library. Dichotomous data on the efficacy and adverse effects were combined and relative risks (RRs) as well as corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. eleven trials published between 1965 and 1999 including a total of 2081 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were further analysed. In children, perphenazine 0.07 mg kg was effective in preventing vomiting (RR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.18-0.54), whereas in adults, a dose of about 5 mg was effective for the prevention of PONV (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.37-0.67). When compared with established newer drugs, for example, ondansetron, dexamethasone or droperidol, no significant differences were observed in the pooled analysis with limited data. Reporting of adverse events was poor. Transient sedation was reported in three eligible trials (RR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.40-2.05). there is evidence that perphenazine is effective in the prevention of PONV in children and adults without serious adverse effects compared with placebo.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the antiemetic effects of midazolam on postoperative nausea and vomiting in women undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are distressing and frequent adverse effects (AEs) in women undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Midazolam has been reported to be effective for preventing PONV in adults undergoing middle ear surgery and children undergoing strabismus surgery or tonsillectomy. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the antiemetic effects of midazolam on PONV in women undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted (January–December 2009) at the Department of Anesthesiology, Ushiku Aiwa General Hospital (Ibaraki, Japan). Nonpregnant Japanese women (aged 22–54 years) undergoing myomectomy, hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, or oophorectomy were randomized to receive 1 of 2 different midazolam doses (50 or 75 μg/kg IV) or placebo immediately after induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg/kg IV, and vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg IV was used to facilitate tracheal intubation. After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 1.0% to 3.0% (inspired concentration) and air in oxygen. All episodes of PONV during the first 24 hours after anesthesia were assessed by an investigator 24 hours postoperatively; the investigator was blinded as to which treatment each patient had received. The patients were asked if nausea, vomiting, or retching had occurred. Details were recorded of any other AEs, as well as any spontaneous complaints. Results: A total of 90 nonpregnant Japanese women were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 35 [6] years; mean height, 159 [6] cm; mean weight, 53 [8] kg). Each study group comprised 30 patients and was comparable with regard to patient demographic characteristics and types of surgery. The rate of patients experiencing PONV during the first 24 hours after anesthesia with midazolam 50 μg/kg was 30% ( P = 0.004 vs placebo) compared with 27% with midazolam 75 μg/kg ( P = 0.002 vs placebo) and 67% with placebo. The difference in the incidence of PONV between patients receiving midazolam 75 μg/kg and those receiving midazolam 50 μg/kg was not statistically significant. No clinically important AEs due to the study drug were observed in any of the groups. Conclusion: Midazolam 50 μg/kg was not significantly different from midazolam 75 μg/kg in the incidence of PONV, and both doses were associated with significantly less PONV compared with placebo during the first 24 hours after anesthesia in these Japanese women undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

Méta-analyse : ondansétron en prophylaxie des nausées et vomissements postopératoires chez l’adulte et l’enfant après craniotomie

ObjectiveTo justify the use of ondansetron as a preventive treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) of adults and children in neurosurgery. Study designMeta-analysis. Patients and methodsSix published, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials were selected to study the efficacy of ondansetron on PONV in adults undergoing craniotomy. Similarly, three studies were selected in children. The treated adults received 4 or 8mg of ondansetron during the peroperative period. As for children, they were given a repeated dose of 0.15mg/kg of ondansetron. The emetic episodes noted for 24hours in children and until 48hours in adults were analyzed. The results were presented as relative risks (RR) following a fixed model and a 95% confidence interval (CI). The test for heterogeneity was measured with the I2 Altman DG test. ResultsAt 24hours, among the 308 adults tested, nausea and vomiting were significantly reduced by 22% and 57%, respectively; no significant reduction in vomiting was noted for the 149 children patients. At 48hours, no significant modification was observed in adults. ConclusionsPeroperative intravenous dose of ondansetron 4mg in neurosurgery in adults is required to prevent PONV during the first postoperative 24hours. However, further studies are needed to determine best time and dose infusion to prolong clinical efficacy.

Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

The present guidelines were compiled by a multidisciplinary international panel of individuals with interest and expertise in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) under the auspices of The Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia. The panel critically evaluated the current medical literature on PONV to provide an evidence-based reference tool for the management of adults and children who are undergoing surgery and are at increased risk for PONV. In brief, these guidelines identify risk factors for PONV in adults and children; recommend approaches for reducing baseline risks for PONV; identify the most effective antiemetic monotherapy and combination therapy regimens for PONV prophylaxis; recommend approaches for treatment of PONV when it occurs; and provide an algorithm for the management of individuals at increased risk for PONV.