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Prophylactic ondansetron yields better outcomes, lower cost for strabismus surgery
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BOSTON — Prophylactic ondansetron was clinically effective and cost-effective in managing postop nausea and vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery, according to a large study.
Researchers here and elsewhere randomly assigned 150 children to either prophylactic ondansetron or early symptomatic treatment only with a placebo administered at the end of surgery. At the first signs of nausea or vomiting, children in both groups received ondansetron 100 µg.
The incidences of postop nausea and vomiting in the immediate, early, late and first 24-hour periods were significantly lower in the prophylactic group than in the placebo group. Time to achieve fast-track eligibility and duration of postop nausea and vomiting were also significantly shorter in the prophylactic group. Pharmacoeconomic measures were also lower with the prophylactic treatment than with the symptomatic treatment.
The study is published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia.