Background: One of the most common complications after tympanomastoid surgeries are postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). PONV may lead to undesirable adverse effects. Many anti-emetics have been studied for prevention of PONV. The aim of this work is to assess the effect of a low dose of dexamethasone on avoidance of PONV after tympanomastoid surgeries and to compare it with ondansetron.
Patients and methods: This comparative prospective randomized double-blind clinical survey was performed on 30 patients scheduled for elective tympanomastoid surgeries. They were classified into two equal groups; one of them received 5 mg of dexamethasone IV (group D) and the other received 4 mg of ondansetron IV (group O) just after giving anesthesia induction. The prevalence and intensity of PONV were assessed in all patients using Bellivelle's scoring system.
Results: Statistically, the incidences and severity of PONV in group O and in group D were comparable.
Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the effects of IV administration of low dose of each of dexamethasone (5 mg) and ondansetron (4 mg), just after induction of general anesthesia on the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting after tympanomastoid surgeries and the associated side effects.