Dexamethasone versus ondansetron in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

ostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common distressing symptom in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and can contribute to anxiety, dehydration, metabolic abnormality, wound disruption, delayed recovery and other issues.The incidence of PONV varies from 20 to 80 % of all surgeries, and it is an economic and social burden. The origin of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery performed under general anesthesia is not entirely clear, but it is probably multifactorial. The necessity of gas insufflation, which results in the stretching of peritoneum and increased pressure in the peritoneal cavity, is a very important factor provoking nausea and vomiting. Prolonged carbon dioxide insufflations, residual pneumoperitoneum after CO2 insufflation, peritoneum distension, diaphragm irritation, and visceral organ irritation and manipulation have been considered to influence the incidence of PONV.