Prevention of nausea and vomiting in female patients undergoing breast surgery: A comparison with granisetron, droperidol, metoclopramide and placebo

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Abstract
Background: Breast surgery is associated with a relatively high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of granisetron, droperidol and metoclopramide for preventing PONV after breast surgery. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 120 female patients received granisetron 40 mu g.kg(-1), droperidol 1.25 mg, metoclopramide 10 mg or placebo (saline) (n=30 for each) intravenously immediately before the induction of anaesthesia. A standard general anaesthetic technique was employed throughout. Postoperatively, during the first 24 h after anaesthesia, the incidence of PONV and adverse events was recorded. Results: The incidence of PONV was 17% with granisetron, 37% with droperidol, 43% with metoclopramide and 50% with placebo (P < 0.05; overall Fisher's exact probability test). The incidence of adverse events was not different among the groups. Conclusion: Granisetron is highly effective for reducing the incidence of PONV in female patients undergoing breast surgery. Droperidol and metoclopramide are ineffective in this population.