[Prophylactic effect of diphenhydramine on postoperative vomiting in children after laparoscopic surgery].

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC), introduced as an alternative to a conventional open inguinal hernia repair in children, has shown a higher incidence of postoperative vomiting (POV). The aim of this study was to examine whether a prophylactic use of diphenhydramine can decrease the incidence of POV in children undergoing LPEC.

METHODS

We studied 60 girls between 1 and 6 years of age with ASA physical status I or II undergoing LPEC. Patients were allocated to receive either diphenhydramine 1 mg x kg(-1) intravenously (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) during the operation. Anesthesia was performed with air-oxygen-sevoflurane in combination with epidural anesthesia. Opioids were avoided throughout the perioperative period. The incidence of POV was recorded postoperatively.

RESULTS

Demographic data were similar between the groups. The overall incidence of POV during the first 24 postoperative hours was significantly higher in the placebo group (56.7%) than in the diphenhydramine (6.7%) group (P < 0.01). The wake-up in the ward was significantly prolonged in the diphenhydramine group than control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic use of diphenhydramine substantially reduced the risk of postoperative vomiting, but was associated with prolonged sedation in pediatric patients undergoing LPEC.