Dolasetron versus ondansetron as single-agent prophylaxis for patients at increased risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting: a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial.

This study identified 100 ambulatory surgery patients receiving general anesthesia who were at increased risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and randomly assigned them to receive single-agent prophylaxis (12.5 mg of dolasetron or 4 mg of ondansetron) 15 to 30 minutes before the end of surgery. Data were collected in the postanesthesia care unit, and patients completed a questionnaire 24 hours after surgery. No statistically significant difference existed between study groups in demographic features, history of PONV, history of motion sickness, or type and duration of surgery and anesthesia. No statistically significant difference existed in satisfaction with the medication used for PONV prophylaxis (dolasetron, 70.9 of 100 mm; ondansetron, 67.9 of 100 mm; p = 0.69). No statistically significant difference existed in satisfaction with the overall surgical experience (dolasetron, 87.9 of 100 mm; ondansetron, 85.3 of 100 mm; p = 0.36). Costminimization strategies should be considered without fear of substandard care or increased patient dissatisfaction.