Antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the effectiveness of ondansetron in preventing postope rative nausea and vomiting after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and the effect of this anesthetic on hospital stay. METHODS: this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done i n the General Surgery Service of the Getafe University Hospital. Patients w ho were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy to treat uncomplicated c holelithiasis, and who had an ASA status of I-II, were recruited. Before su rgery the patients received either ondansetron 4 mg or placebo intravenousl y. This study was approved by the local ethics committee. RESULTS: 56 patients were included, 29 in the ondansetron group and 27 in t he placebo group. In the latter, 4 patients were later excluded because of conversion to open surgery. Postoperative nausea and emetic episodes were e xperienced by 7% of the patients in the ondansetron group and 47% in the pl acebo group (p = 0.0007). Oral intake started 7 h after surgery in the onda nsetron group and 11 h after surgery in the placebo group (p = 0.04), with a mean difference of 4 h. Hospital stay was 30 h and 48 h respectively (p = 0.01), with a mean difference of 18 h. CONCLUSION: ondansetron given prior to surgery at a dose of 4 mg prevents p ostoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and re duces hospital stay.