Effectiveness of Ondansetron Alone Versus Ondansetron-Dexamethasone in the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Dr. Harleen Kaur, Dr. Melchisedec Singh, Dr. Valsamma Abraham

Abstract: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) continue to be generally observed and troubling side effects of general anaesthesia, especially after laparoscopic surgeries. Ondansetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, is frequently implemented for the prophylaxis of PONV. However, concomitant medication may increase its efficacy. This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed over 18 months at a tertiary care teaching hospital to assess the efficacy of ondansetron monotherapy compared to a combination of ondansetron-dexamethasone is preventing PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were 60 patients having ASA physical status I and II, and their age lied between 18 and 60 years. They were split into two groups of 30 people each at random. Group A was provided 4 mg of ondansetron. A visual analogue scale was used to compute the frequency and intensity of nausea, retching, and vomiting at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24-hours following surgery. The combined group showed a significantly reduced incidence of nausea, retching, and vomiting, necessitating substantially less rescue antiemetic medication in comparison to the ondansetron-only group (p<0.05). The negative effects were similar in both groups. The study shows that taking ondansetron and dexamethasone together works better than just taking ondansetron to stop nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Keywords: Dexamethasone, General anaesthesia, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Ondansetron, Postoperative nausea and vomiting

How to Cite?: Dr. Harleen Kaur, Dr. Melchisedec Singh, Dr. Valsamma Abraham, "Effectiveness of Ondansetron Alone Versus Ondansetron-Dexamethasone in the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 115-120, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251231212718, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251231212718