Background: The incidence of PONV is as high as 60-70% encountering after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia. It causes unexpected hospital stay and patient’s morbidity.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of intravenous Palonosetron(0.05mg) and Ondansetron (4mg)-dexamethasone (8mg) combination for prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods: This is prospective, double blind study comprising of sixty patients of ASA grade I and II of either sex, aged 20-50 years and weight between 40 to 70 kilograms scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into Group P (Intravenous Palonosetron 0.05 mg) and Group OD (Intravenous Ondansetron 4 mg+ Intravenous Dexamethasone 8 mg). The drug was administered just before the induction. All the vital parameters of patients were observed during intraoperative period. Episodes of nausea, vomiting, retching and any side effects were noted for 24 post-operative period. Intravenous Metoclopramide was administered as rescue antiemetic in a patient who experienced two or more episodes of vomiting and severe retching.

Result: Incidence of nausea and vomiting as well as requirement of rescue antiemetic was more or less same in both groups

Conclusion: Intravenous Palonosetron(0.05mg) was as potent as intravenous Ondansetron(4mg)-Dexamethasone(8mg) combination.

Keywords: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, PONV, Palonosetron, Ondansetron, Dexamethasone.

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Dr Azizul Haque

Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, RIMS, Ranchi