Dextrose administration may reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a double blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is the most common and undesirable of the complications associated with anesthesia, leading to discomfort in patients and extended hospital stays. The present study evaluates and compares the effects of preoperative/intraoperative dextrose infusion on PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS: This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study included 93 ASA I-II LC patients who were divided into three groups. Group P received a 10 mL/kg/h rate 5% Dextrose infusion, applied preoperatively for 30 minutes, followed by the same infusion rate of Ringer's lactate until the end of surgery. Group I received a 10 mL/kg/h rate of Ringer's lactate preoperatively for 30 minutes and the same infusion rate of 5% Dextrose during the operation. The control group (Group C) received a Ringer's lactate solution infusion in the pre- and intraoperative periods at a rate of 10 mL/kg/h. The demographic data, PONV, hemodynamic variables, pain scores, blood glucose (BG) values, and antiemetic and analgesic requirements of the participants were recorded.

RESULTS: Preoperative BG values were similar in all groups, whereas intraoperative and postoperative BG levels were higher in Group P and Group I, respectively (P=0.020, P=0.010) than in Group C. The incidence of PONV was decreased in groups P and I (38.7% and 25.8%, respectively) compared to Group C (P=0.015). The antiemetic postoperative drug usage for 6 hours was significantly lower in Group P (P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative dextrose infusion may be suggested for PONV prophylaxis as a safe and effective method following LC.