PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Massad, Islam M. AU - Mohsen, Wafa A. AU - Basha, Asma S. AU - Al-Zaben, Khaled R. AU - Al-Mustafa, Mahmoud M. AU - Alghanem, Subhi M. TI - A balanced anesthesia with dexmedetomidine decreases postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery. DP - 2009 Dec 01 TA - Saudi Medical Journal PG - 1537--1541 VI - 30 IP - 12 4099 - http://smj.org.sa/content/30/12/1537.short 4100 - http://smj.org.sa/content/30/12/1537.full SO - Saudi Med J2009 Dec 01; 30 AB - OBJECTIVES: 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.CONCLUSIONS: 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.