A balanced anesthesia with dexmedetomidine decreases postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to a balanced anesthetic technique on postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gynecological surgeries.

Methods: A prospective double-blind randomized study was designed at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan between December 2008 and February 2009. Eighty-one female patients in their child-bearing age (17-48 years); American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) clinical status I, who were scheduled for elective diagnostic laparoscopic surgeries under general anesthesia were divided into 2 groups. Group D (n=42) received dexmedetomidine infusion, while group P (n=39) received 0.9% sodium chloride infusion along with the balanced anesthesia. The incidence of early (up to 24 hours) postoperative nausea, vomiting, nausea and vomiting, and the need for postoperative rescue anti-emetic medications were recorded.

Results: The total incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting decreased significantly in group D; 13 out of 42 patients (31%), compared to group P; 23 out of 39 patients (59%), vomiting alone did not significantly change, the incidence of postoperative nausea, and the use of rescue anti-emetic medications were significantly different. A significant drop in overall consumption of fentanyl and sevoflurane was also noted in group D.

Conclusion: Combining dexmedetomidine to other anesthetic agents, results in more balanced anesthesia and a significant drop in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gynecological surgeries.