Prophylactic effect of dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing stapedectomy surgery

Nausea and vomiting after middle ear surgery as one of the most common complications after surgery is considered to become the ground for the incidence of other adverse consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 16 mg prophylactic intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting after stapedectomy. In a randomized double-blind controlled trial study, 70 patients candidate for stapedectomy divided into two equal groups, using the same sedation by single surgeon. While the case group received 16 mg Dexamethasone half an hour before surgery, thecontrol group received 4ml intravenous saline as a placebo. Patients controlled 1-24 hours after the surgery in terms of nausea and vomiting and dependent variables such as vertigo and tinnitus. 70 patients (38 females and 32 males) were enrolled in this study. The rate of postoperative Nausea and vomiting in Case group was 31/4% (equal to 11 paticents) and in control group was 60% (equal to 21 patients). The different was statisticall significant(p=%3). The prophylactic use of 16 mg intravenous dexamethasone half an hour before surgery can significantly reduce incidence of nausea and vomiting after stapedectomy.