Antiemetic efficacy of prophylactic ondansetron in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

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Abstract
Summary: The antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron given prophylactically was investigated in a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of 63 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients received intravenously prior to anaesthesia either ondansetron 4 mg or placebo. The same standardised general anaesthetic technique was used. Nausea, emetic episodes and the need for rescue medication were recorded for 24 h postoperatively. Nausea was experienced by 64% of the patients in the ondansetron group and 56% in the placebo group, and emetic episodes occurred in 45% and 50% of the patients in the two groups, respectively. The proportions of patients given rescue antiemetic medication were 45% and 44%, respectively. No clinically important adverse events were observed. In conclusion, ondansetron given prior to anaesthesia in a dosage of 4mg did not prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.