ABSTRACT : Palonosetron, (a newer 5-HT3 antagonist) is an effective antiemetic that can be used for treating PONV. Dexamethasone has been proved to be an effective anti-emetic. The aim of this study was to find out whether addition of dexamethasone to palonosetron would be more effective than palonosetron alone in prevention of PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries under general anaesthesia during the first 48 hours after surgery.

METHODS : Ninety patients with ASA physical status I, II and III undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia were randomised into two groups of 45 patients each. Group P (n=45) received 0.075 mg of palonosetron and Group P+D (n=45) received an equivalent dose of palonosetron and 8 mg of dexamethasone before induction. The number of complete responders (no emesis, no requirement of rescue anti-emetic medication) along with four-point nausea and vomiting scores were recorded at 2, 6, 24, 48 h postoperatively. Data obtained was analyzed statistically

RESULTS : This study compares the incidence of complete responders and the nausea score obtained between the two groups over the 48-h postoperative period. Complete responders in group P+D were 42 (93.3%) and P were 41 (91.1%). 3 patients in Group P+D (6.7%) and 4 patients in group P (8.9%) required rescue anti-emetics. The p value obtained was 0.694 (>0.05) and hence not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS : The addition of dexamethasone to palonosetron does not offer an added advantage over the usage of palonosetron alone as a single drug.