Comparative study on effects of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A total of 86 female patients were prospectively administered dexmedetomidine 1 mu g/kg i.v. (the group A, n=43), and dexamethasone 8 mg i.v. (the group B, n=43). The two groups were compared in treatment response, hemodynamic changes, and Numerical Analog Scale (NAS). Besides, the relation of PONV with patient baseline characteristics in the perioperative period was determined as well. Results: Patients in group A had lower PONV scores (t=3.1, P < 0.002), less needs for rescue anti-emetics (chi(2)=0.47, P < 0.001), and decreased intraoperative heart rate (t=9.72, P < 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (t=7.58, P < 0.001) compared to that of group B. Group A reported lower NAS than group B (t=2.66, P < 0.001). In addition, we found no relationship between PONV score and rescue anti-emetic requirement, age, or body mass index (P=0.96, P=0.60, P=0.28, respectively). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine could be used as an effective antiemetic in laparoscopic surgeries, with better efficacy than dexamethasone. Dexmedetomidine not only can reduce PONV but also is effective in postoperative analgesia.