The effect of dexamethasone on postoperative vomiting after tonsillectomy

In this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study, we assessed t he effect of dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg IV administered preoperatively in 110 children 2-12 yr old, undergoing electrodissection adenotonsillectomy, usin g a standardized anesthetic technique. The incidence of early and late vomi ting, the time to first oral intake, the quality of oral intake, the satisf action scores, and the duration of IV hydration were compared in both group s. The overall incidence of vomiting, as well as the incidence of late vomi ting, was significantly less in the Dexamethasone group as compared with th e Saline group (23% and 19% vs 51% and 34%, respectively). The time to firs t oral intake and the duration of IV hydration were shorter in the Dexameth asone group compared with the Saline group (P < 0.05). The quality of oral intake and the satisfaction scores were better in the Dexamethasone group t han in the Saline group (P < 0.05). This report confirms the beneficial eff ect of IV dexamethasone on both vomiting and oral intake in children underg oing electrodissection adenotonsillectomy.