Comparison of Ramosetron Dose in Patients with Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Who Received Oxycodone-Based Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Undergoing Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Pain that occurs following gynecological laparoscopic surgery is a main cause for prolonged hospitalization. As a solution, various intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) systems have been used to control postoperative pain. This study explored the relationship between the dose of the ramosetron used to control postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and its effect when oxycodone was used as the IV PCA. METHODS: Ninety-two patients (age, 18–70 years) undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery received oxycodone as IV PCA and were divided into the RB and RM group. Towards the end of surgery, the RB group patients were given 0.3 mg ramosetron as an IV bolus, and those in the RM group were given 0.3 mg ramosetron plus and additional 0.6 mg as IV PCA. The degree of PONV, postoperative pain, and pain felt during coughing were observed for 0.5, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Patient satisfaction and comfort were assessed at 24 and 48 hours. RESULTS: No differences in operation time, anesthesia period, or amounts of propofol and remifentanil used were observed between the groups. IV PCA demand, severity of PONV, postoperative pain, and coughing pain were also similar between the groups. Patient comfort was similar between the groups at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: No difference in the incidence of PONV was detected between patients who used only 0.3 mg ramosetron as an intravenous bolus and those who received an additional 0.6 mg ramosetron mixed in IV PCA when oxycodone was offered as the IV PCA after undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery.