Postoperative nausea and vomiting in diagnostic gynaecological laparoscopic procedures: comparison of the efficacy of the combination of dexamethasone and metoclopramide with that of dexamethasone and ondansetron.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted in a tertiary hospital with the aim of comparing the efficacy of a combination of dexamethasone and metoclopramide with dexamethasone and ondansetron for the prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV] after diagnostic gynaecological laparoscopic procedures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomised, double-blind study, 120 women received either saline I.V. [Group I, n=40]; a combination of dexamethasone [8 mg] with metoclopramide [10 mg] [Group II, n=40]; or a combination of dexamethasone [8 mg] with ondansetron [4 mg] [Group III, n=40] prior to induction of general anaesthesia. PONV was evaluated at regular intervals. The results were analysed using one-way ANOVA, post-hoc, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallace tests and Z test for proportions where appropriate through a SPSS V.9 package. RESULTS: The 3 groups were well matched for demographic characteristics. The incidence of nausea and emesis was significantly lower in Group III [[17.5%, P <0.02] and [10%, P <0.01] respectively]. Nausea scores were also lower in Group III [P <0.02]. Rescue anti-emetic requirements were higher in Group I [P <0.05] as compared to Groups II and III. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of dexamethasone and ondansetron was more efficacious as compared to that of metoclopramide and dexamethasone. The combination of metoclopramide and dexamethasone seems to offer no additional benefit as compared to saline placebo.

Percutaneous tracheostomy by guidewire dilating forceps technique: review of 98 patients.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous tracheostomy to a large extent has replaced conventional surgical tracheostomy by virtue of its low incidence of complications and the rapidity with which the procedure can be performed at the bedside avoiding transport of critically ill patients to the operating rooms. Since it is a blind approach, bronchoscopic guidance has been suggested which might not always be possible due to logistic reasons. METHODS: A retrospective study of 98 patients who had guide wire dilating forceps technique of percutaneous tracheostomy without the aid of a bronchoscope was undertaken. By ensuring the free mobility of the guide wire at each step of the procedure, a safe placement of the tracheostomy tube was achieved. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 3.05 mins [S.D:2.20]. Two patients had peristomal bleeding as an early complication. 34 patients could be decannulated with good primary approximation of the stomal tissues [mean: 3.92days, S.D: 1.46]. There were no deaths or life threatening complications attributable to this technique. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of bronchoscopic guidance, adopting the simple but effective precaution of free movement of guide wire at each step of the procedure, a safe tracheostomy tube placement is possible.