Sevoflurane with or without antiemetic prophylaxis of dexamethasone in spontaneously breathing patients undergoing outpatient anorectal surgery

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the prophylactic use of dexamethasone with sevoflurane in outpatient anorectal surgery.DesignRandomized, controlled study.SettingOperating room and Postanesthesia Care Unit of a general hospital.Patients60 adult, ASA physical status I and II outpatients undergoing anorectal surgery.InterventionsPatients were randomized to receive either dexamethasone 5 mg intravenously (IV; Group D; n = 30) or an equal volume of saline (Group S; n = 30) before anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2.5 mg.kg−1, fentanyl two μg.kg−1, and 2% lidocaine one mg.kg−1 followed by placement of a Laryngeal Mask Airway.MeasurementsFrequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and patient satisfaction were recorded.Main ResultsFrequency of PONV and VAS pain scores were significantly lower in Group D than Group S (P < 0.05). The time required for “home readiness” was significantly shorter in Group D than Group S (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe prophylactic administration of 5 mg dexamethasone IV can reduce the frequency of PONV, lower VAS pain scores, facilitate recovery to home readiness, and improve satisfaction in outpatients undergoing anorectal surgery.