Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of small doses of propofol, droperidol, and metoclopramide for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after thyroidectomy.
STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.
SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital.
METHODS: In a randomized, double-blinded study, 90 patients (75 females) received propofol 0.5 mg/kg, droperidol 20 μg/kg, or metoclopramide 0.2 mg/kg intravenously (n = 30 in each group) at the end of surgery. A standardized general anesthetic technique was used.
RESULTS: The incidence of PONV during the first 24 hours after anesthesia was recorded in 13%, 47%, and 50% of patients who had received propofol, droperidol, and metoclopramide, respectively (P < 0.05; overall Fisher exact probability test). No clinically important adverse events were observed in any of the groups.
CONCLUSION: Small dose (0.5 mg/kg) of propofol is more effective than droperidol or metoclopramide for the prevention of PONV after thyroidectomy.
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