The effect of palonosetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting in supratentorial craniotomy patients

Aim: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a condition that adversely affects postoperative patient comfort. Supratentorial craniotomy patients were therefore monitored to establish the therapeutic efficiency of 2 different doses of palonosetron. Materials and methods: Patients scheduled for elective supratentorial craniotomy were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (n = 30), a 0.05 mg palonosetron group (n = 30), and a 0.075 mg palonosetron group (n = 30). The drugs were given intravenously at the commencement of dura mater closure. Anesthesia maintenance was provided with 1 MAC sevoflurane in a 50% air and O2 mixture. After the extubation, the patients were monitored for 72 h with respect to postoperative nausea and vomiting. Results: In the first 6 h, nausea was significantly lower in the 0.075 mg palonosetron group compared to the control group (P = 0.019). The incidences of nausea, retching, and vomiting at 0–72 h postoperatively were significantly lower in the 0.075 mg palonosetron group than in the 0.05 mg palonosetron or saline groups (P 0.001). Conclusion: In supratentorial craniotomy cases, PONV was reduced more effectively in the 0.075 mg palonosetron group than in the 0.05 mg palonosetron and control groups.