Comparison of palonosetron with ondansetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy during a 48-hour period

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common complications after general anesthesia. This study compared the effects of palonosetron and ondansetron in preventing PONV in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. METHODS: 100 non-smoking female subjects were randomly assigned to a palonosetron group (n = 50) or an ondansetron group (n = 50). The patients of each group received 0.075 mg of palonosetron or 8 mg of ondansetron through intravenous bolus injection before induction of general anesthesia. The incidence of nausea and vomiting were monitored at 2 h, 24 h and 48 h after operation. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV during 48 h after operation had no significant differences between the groups. However, the incidence of nausea was lower in the palonosetron group than in the ondansetron group (34% vs. 56%, P = 0.027). No differences were observed in incidences of vomiting, use of antiemetics and adverse events between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Palonosetron was more effective than ondansetron in preventing nausea for patients undergoing thyroidectomy. However, the effect of palonosetron or ondansetron in preventing PONV was similar.