LAUSR

Abstract Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common and unpleasant symptoms affecting patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia. It is also associated with complications such as gastric aspiration, bleeding, dehydration, wound dehiscence and delayed hospital discharge. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a sub hypnotic dose of propofol on the occurrence and severity of PONV after open abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia. Materials and methods A series of 72 adult (age ≥18) ASA class I or II patients, scheduled for open abdominal surgery were divided into a control group (n = 36) and a propofol group (n = 36). The propofol group was given 30 mg of 1% propofol IV bolus after skin closure. All episodes and severity of PONV during the first 24 h after anaesthesia were evaluated. Results The overall incidence of PONV was significantly lower in propofol group than the non-propofol group during the first six postoperative hours (30.6% versus 66.7% respectively; p = 0.002). There was a significant reduction in number of patients needing rescue anti-emetic during the first six postoperative hours in propofol group when compared with none-propofol group [5 (13.9%) and 15 (41.7%) respectively, (p = 0.009)]. There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to their haemodynamic parameters and manifestations of respiratory depression. Conclusion and recommendation Administration of a sub hypnotic intravenous dose of propofol was effective in reducing the incidence and severity of PONV, and the need for rescue anti-emetic during the first six postoperative hours in patients undergoing open abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia. We recommend the use of 30 mg propofol at the end of open abdominal surgery as part of multimodal approach for PONV.