Comparison of Prophylactic Antiemetic Efficacy of Haloperidol and Granisetron for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Followed by Laparoscopic Surgeries

Abstract

BACKGROUNDPostoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) continues to be a highly undesirable outcome of anaesthesia and surgery. For example, in the ambulatory care surgery setting PONV is among the most common complications with a frequency ranging from 30% to 50%. 1 In addition, significant or uncontrolled PONV in the ambulatory surgery Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) can lead to unanticipated hospital admission. Although routine antiemetic prophylaxis is clearly unjustified, patients at high risk for postoperative emesis should receive special considerations with respect to the prophylactic use of antiemetic drugs. 2 Retching or vomiting following surgery can put tension on suture lines, cause haematomas beneath surgical flaps and place the patient at risk for pulmonary aspiration of vomit if airway reflexes are depressed from the lingering effects of anaesthetic and analgesic drug.