BETAMETHASONE REDUCES POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AND NAUSEA AFTER AMBULATORY SURGERY

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of a single-dose g lucocorticoid on the incidence and severity of pain and nausea and vom iting (PONV) after ambulatory surgery. Seventy-eight ASA physical stat us I-III patients scheduled for hemorrhoidectomy or hallux valgus corr ection were studied using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controll ed protocol. One group received 12 mg of betamethasone IM 30 min befor e the start of surgery (Group B), whereas the placebo group (Group P) received saline. General anesthesia was induced with propofol and fent anyl and maintained with isoflurane in both groups. Pain (measured usi ng a visual analog scale, verbal score, and analgesic requirements), P ONV, and other side effects were evaluated postoperatively. Patients i n Group B experienced significantly less postoperative pain, less PONV , and better patient satisfaction during the first 24 h after surgery. In conclusion, a single dose of betamethasone (12 mg) seemed to produ ce analgesic and antiemetic effects after day-case surgery. Implicatio ns: In a placebo-controlled study, the use of corticosteroid prophylax is (betamethasone) produced a significant reduction in both postoperat ive pain and nausea in outpatients who received the corticosteroid inj ection before ambulatory foot or hemorrhoid operations.