Efficacy of dexamethasone for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting and analgesic requirements after thyroidectomy.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and analgesic requirements after thyroidectomy. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 75 patients, 20 men and 55 women, received intravenously placebo or dexamethasone at 2 different doses (4 and 8 mg) (n=25 of each) at the end of surgery. A standard general anesthetic technique was used. PONV and analgesic requirements were evaluated. The rate of patients experiencing PONV during the first 24 hours after anesthesia was 64% with dexamethasone 4 mg (P=0.269) and 28% with dexamethasone 8 mg (P=0.001), compared with placebo (76%). The need of indomethacin for intolerable pain was less in patients who had received dexamethasone 8 mg than in those who had received placebo (P=0.009). Dexamethasone 8 mg effectively decreases PONV and analgesic requirements after thyroidectomy.