ABSTRACT : Post-operative Nausea and vomiting(PONV) is a common complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone 8mg alone vs sub-hypnotic dose of propofol 0.5 mg/kg with dexamethasone 4 mg vs placebo in preventing the PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS : In this double-blind,prospective,randomised placebo-controlled study,120 adult patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were taken.They were divided into 3 groups-A,B & C. A group received dexamethasone 8mg immediately after surgery. B group received propofol 0.5 mg/kg with dexamethasone 4 mg immediately after surgery. C group received placebo(Normal saline) immediately after surgery. All the groups were observed for 24 hours for PONV at a time intervals of 0-4 hours,4-12 hours & 12-24 hours.

RESULTS : The results have shown that the incidence of PONV in group A & group B were significantly lower in the 1st 4 hours when compared to group C

CONCLUSIONS : The results have shown that the incidence of PONV in group A & group B were significantly lower in the 1st 4 hours when compared to group C