Single dose preoperative dexamethasone in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a single dose dexamethasone in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Study Design: This Placebo-controlled, Randomized Trial. Setting: Department of Surgery, Allied Hospital-II, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Period: June 2025 to August 2025. Methods: Sixty patients (30 in each group) undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into either Group-A (injected 2ml [8mg] dexamethasone in a 2-mL preparation), and Group-B (injected 2ml of normal saline), at the time of induction. Occurrence of nausea and vomiting during 24-hours following surgery were noted among all patients. Results: In a total of 60 patients (30 in each group), 53 (88.3%) were females. In Group-A, 9 (30.0%) patients had nausea during 1^st post-operative hour, versus 20 (66.7%) in Group-B. There were 5 (16.7%) patients in Group-A who experience vomiting during 1^st hour post-surgery, in comparison to 10 (33.3%) patients in Group-B. In Group-A, 4 (13.3%) patients experienced nausea at 6^th post-operative hour, in comparison to 11 (36.7%) patients in Group-B. In Group-A, 1 (3.3%) patient experienced vomiting at 6^th post-operative hour, in comparison to 4 (13.3%) patients in Group-B. At 24 postoperative hours, 3 (10.0%) patients in Group-A experienced nausease, versus 4 (13.3%) in Group-B. At 24-hours, 1 (3.3%) patient in Group-A, while 2 (6.7%) patients in Group-B experienced vomiting. Anti-emetic was needed in 2 (6.7%) patients in Group-A, in comparison to 4 (13.3%) in Group-B. Conclusion: Pre-surgery single dose of dexamethasone is effective in preventing post laparoscopic cholecystectomy nausea and vomiting up to 24 hours.