Preoperative oral granisetron for the prevention of vomiting after strabismus surgery in children.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of oral granisetron for the prevention of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery. Prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study. A total of 120 children, 4-10 years of age, scheduled for elective strabismus surgery. Patients received oral placebo or granisetron at three different doses (20 microg/kg, 40 microg/kg, 80 microg/kg) 1 hour before surgery. A complete response, defined as no vomiting, no retching, and no need for rescue antiemetic medication, during the first 24 hours after anesthesia was recorded. A complete response during 0-24 hours after anesthesia occurred in 33% of those who received placebo, 40% who received granisetron 20 microg/kg, 83% who received granisetron 40 microg/kg, and 87% who received granisetron 80 microg/kg (P < 0.05, overall Fisher's exact probability test). Preoperative oral granisetron, in doses more than 40 microg/kg, is effective for preventing vomiting after strabismus surgery in children.