Efficacy of dexamethasone in preventing post operative nausea and vomiting following thyroidectomy

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is among the most common complications after anesthesia. This study aimed to compare pre-induction use of placebo and dexamethasone on decreasing the incidence of nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy in a group of Iranian women.

In this double-blind clinical trial, 42 patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly divided into two groups of equal size. Before the induction of anesthesia, normal saline was injected in placebo (P) group while 10mg dexamethasone was administered for the case group. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was recorded in recovery room, and during the first 24 hours following the surgery.

The incidence of nausea and vomiting showed a statistically significant decrease in patients receiving dexamethasone (p<0.0001).

Use of 10mg dexamethasone before the induction of anesthesia may remarkably decrease the incidence of PONV, and is recommended for high risk groups especially in outpatient surgeries.