The Effect of Adding Aprepitant to Ondansetron on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) present a significant challenge for physicians and patients. The PONV in cholecystectomy, particularly laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), has a high prevalence. Ondansetron is the first-line drug to prevent PONV. Recently, aprepitant has been introduced as a new drug to prevent PONV. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding aprepitant to ondansetron on preventing PONV after LC. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 patients who were candidates for LC. One hour before the operation, groups A and B received placebo and aprepitant, respectively. Then, both groups were administered ondansetron at the same time as the operation. Finally, patients were assessed for PONV at 6 and 24 hours after LC based on the Likert scale. Results: There was no significant difference in the duration of anesthesia and operation between the two groups. The results of the study demonstrated that at 6 and 24 hours after LC, the severity of PONV in the study group was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). In addition, the length of hospitalization (LOH) was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.71). Also, the basic variables did not have a significant effect on the severity of PONV. Conclusions: The results of the study showed that adding aprepitant to ondansetron can significantly reduce PONV in LC compared to the control group.