Role of haloperidol in managing gynecologic-related postoperative nausea and vomiting

Postoperative nausea and vomiting is a common surgical complication occurring in 30-92% of all surgical procedures. Nausea and vomiting may cause water or electrolyte disturbances, dehiscence, increased intracranial pressure or aspiration pneumonitis. The present study was conducted to determine the role of haloperidol in managing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

It was a randomized double blinded clinical trial. Of patients referring for elective gynecologic operation to Javaheri hospital, 50 were selected randomly. All underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia. Patients were assigned in two groups of experiment (received 0.5cc of haloperidol 5mg) and control (received 0.5cc normal saline).

There was no significant difference regarding the BMI, age, underlying disease, type of surgery, and duration of anesthesia between groups. All control subjects experienced nausea, of whom, 88% had vomiting. 27% of these subjects had 4 or more episodes of vomiting. Among controls, 96% received treatment interventions. Among experiment subjects, 24% experienced nausea and 16% had vomiting. Treatment was indicated in only one patient. 52% of experiment group discharged after 48 hours, whereas, among controls 60% stayed for 72 hours and 8% for 96 hours.

Haloperidol prior to anesthesia induction may reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting, postponed its occurrence, reduce episodes of vomiting and indications for medical interventions.