Antiemetic Prophylaxis with Droperidol in Morphine-Based Intravenous Patient Controlled Analgesia

Abstract

Objective: To assess the antiemetic advantages and sedative impacts of droperidol when used in conjunction with morphine-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA).

Study Design: Cohort study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar from December 2022 to November 2023.

Methods: Patients who underwent major surgery and utilized morphine-based IV-PCA experienced a primary outcome characterized by the rate of any postoperative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV) occurring within 72 hours after the surgical procedure.

Results: Nausea and vomiting between 0-12 hours after operation in Droperidol Group was 10.7% and 14.7% in control group. Nausea and vomiting between 12-36 hours after operation in Droperidol Group was 12.0% and 17.3% in control group. Nausea and vomiting between 36-60 hours after operation in Droperidol Group was 13.3% and 16.0% in control group. Nausea and vomiting between 60-72 hours after operation in Droperidol Group was 12.7% and 16.7% in control group.

Conclusion: Droperidol into intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) regimens has demonstrated a notable reduction in the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).