Clinical observation of dexamethasone administration on postoperative epidural analgesia

Objective To compare the effects of dexamethasone with droperidol on postoperative epidural analgesia for caesarean operation.Methods 120 patients undergoing caesarean operation were randomly divided into 3 groups:Group A:tramadol 600 mg+bupivacaine 125 mg+dexamethasone 10 mg;Group B:tramadol 600 mg+bupivacaine 125 mg+droperidol 5 mg;Group C:tramadol 600 mg+bupivacaine 125 mg.And the solutions for the analgetic pumps of all the groups were diluted with 0.9%NS to 100 ml.The analgetic effect was measured by VAS,and the side effects at 4,8,12,24 hours after surgery and the times pressing PCEA were recorded.Results There were no significant difference in VAS scores and the times pressing PCEA among three groups.But VAS scores and times pressing PCEA of Group A were lower than those of Group B and Group C.The incidence of nausea and vomiting of Group C was more frequent than that of Group A and Group B.The incidence of itch of Group A was less frequent than that of Group B and Group C.And the incidence of somnolence of Group B was more frequent than that of Group A and Group C.Conclusion The prophylactic effects of dexamethasone administration on nausea,vomiting and itch in the patients receiving postoperative epidural analgesia were safe and effective,and the side effects of dexamethasone administration on nausea,vomiting and itch in the patients receiving postoperative epidural analgesia were safe and effective with less side effects.