A comparative study between palonosetron and granisetron to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is commonly seen after laparoscopic surgery . In this randomized double blind prospective clinical study, we investigated and compared the efficacy of palonosetron and granisetron to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients & Methods: Sixty female patients (18-65 yrs of age) undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated one of the two groups containing 30 patients each. Group P received palonosetron 75 |jg intravenously as a bolus before induction of anaesthesia. Group G received granisetron 2.5 mg intravenously as a bolus before induction. Results: The incidence of a complete response (no PONV, no rescue medication) during 0-3 hour in the postoperative period was 86.6% with granisetron and 90% with palonosetron, the incidence during 3-24 hour postoperatively was 83.3% with granisetron and 90% with palonosetron. During 24-48 hour, the incidence was 66.6% and 90% respectively (p<0.05). The incidence of adverse effects were statistically insignificant between the groups. Conclusion: Prophylactic therapy with palonosetron is more effective than granisetron for long term prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.