Prophylactic ondansetron does not improve patient satisfaction in women using PCA after Caesarean section

were randomly divided into two groups. In Group O patients, ondansetron 4 m g was given intravenously at the end of the surgery and 8 mg added to the m orphine solution in the PCA syringe. Patients in Group P received only morp hine via PCA syringe. Analgesia and nausea were measured until PCA was disc ontinued 24 h after the operation. Women in the two groups were similar wit h respect to age, duration of use of the PCA, amount of morphine used, prev ious history of PONV, and incidence of motion sickness and morning sickness during the current pregnancy. The number of women who complained of nausea and those needing rescue antiemetic medication was significantly less in G roup O. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the patient's perception of the control of nausea and the ir overall satisfaction. It was noted that PONV was more frequent among wom en who had significant morning sickness during early pregnancy and ondanset ron was beneficial in reducing PONV in these women. Although the ondansetro n reduced the incidence of PONV and the need for further antiemetic medicat ion, this did not affect patient's satisfaction regarding their postoperati ve care.