Granisetron Combined With Dexamethasone or Metoclopramide for PONV Prevention After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Overview

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remain common and distressing complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, particularly in female patients. This randomized interventional study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative granisetron when combined with either dexamethasone or metoclopramide in preventing PONV. The study compares the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting, as well as the need for rescue antiemetic therapy, among female patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are among the most frequent complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and are associated with patient discomfort, delayed recovery, prolonged hospital stay, and decreased patient satisfaction. Female gender, laparoscopic surgery, and the use of general anesthesia are well-recognized risk factors for PONV. Granisetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, has proven efficacy in the prevention of PONV. Combining granisetron with other antiemetic agents that have different mechanisms of action, such as dexamethasone or metoclopramide, may enhance its antiemetic effect through a multimodal approach. This prospective randomized interventional study is designed to compare the efficacy of preoperative granisetron combined with dexamethasone versus granisetron combined with metoclopramide in preventing PONV in female patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated into two groups to receive either granisetron with dexamethasone or granisetron with metoclopramide prior to induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome measure will be the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting within the first 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes will include the severity of nausea, frequency of vomiting episodes, requirement for rescue antiemetic medications, and the occurrence of any adverse effects related to the study drugs. The results of this study aim to identify the more effective granisetron-based combination for PONV prophylaxis in this high-risk population, potentially contributing to improved postoperative care and patient satisfaction following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.