Korean J Anesthesiol.  2006 May;50(5):490-494. 10.4097/kjae.2006.50.5.490.

The Effect of Preoperative Dexamethasone on Profopol Injection Pain, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Undergoing Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

• Lee C
• Kim TY
• Song YK
• Son Y
• Cheong YK
• Kim MS

• KMID: 2092079
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2006.50.5.490

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Induction with propofol has a high incidence of pain, as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a course of dexamethasone on the pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting associated with a Propofol injection, in patients undergoing otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
METHODS
One hundred twenty adults, 20-60 years of age, ASA physical status I or II, were allocated to one of two groups. Either dexamethasone 5 ml (8 mg) or saline 5 ml was administered intravenously to each group. After 60 seconds, propofol was injected into the patients' hand veins over a 30 second period and the patient was asked questions regarding the injection pain after 10 seconds. Postoperative nausea, vomiting and post-tonsilectomy pain were recorded in the recovery room (1 h after surgery) and in the hospitalization area (6 h after surgery).
RESULTS
The severity and incidence of pain at the time of the propofol injection, PONV, and the level of post-tonsillectomy pain were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group than in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
The prophylactic intravenous administration of 8 mg dexamethasone is effective in reducing the severity of pain after a propofol injection and after the tonsillectomy, and decreased the incidence of PONV.

Keyword

dexamethasone; injection pain; nausea; vomiting

MeSH Terms

Administration, Intravenous
Adult
Dexamethasone*
Hand
Hospitalization
Humans
Incidence
Nausea*
Neck*
Pain, Postoperative*
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
Propofol
Recovery Room
Tonsillectomy
Veins
Vomiting*
Dexamethasone
Propofol