Ephedrine-Dexamethasone Combination Reduces Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Objective: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are important causes of morbidity after anesthesia and surgery. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of prophylactic combination of dexamethasone and ephedrine for prevention of PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: ninety adult patients of ASA physical status I undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly allocated into one of three groups (30 patients each), to receive either saline or dexamethasone or both dexamethasone and ephedrine. Results: The incidence of PONV in combination group was only 23% in comparison to placebo 77% and dexamethasone groups 40%. Conclusion: combination group had significantly less nausea and vomiting and significantly greater number of patients with a complete response.