The Effect of Timing of Dexamethasone Administration on the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Objective:To evaluated the effect of timing of dexamethasone administration on the prevention of postoperation nausea and vomiting(PONV).Methods:120 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided randomly into three groups(n=40 each).Before the induction of anesthesia,group 1 received 10 mg of dexamethasone intravenously.At the end of the operation, group 2 received 10 mg of dexamethasone intravenously.Group 3 received placebo(saline).The incidence of PONV was evaluated and compared.Results:Patients in group 1 and group 2 presented less frequent incidenceof PONV than those in group 3,while patients group 1 presented less frequent incidence of PONV than group 2.Conclusion:The administration of dexamethasone before the induction,rather than at the end of operation,was more effective in preventing PONV.