Comparative Evaluation of Oral Aprepitant vs. Injection Palonosetron for Preventing Post-operative Nausea and Vomiting in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients under General Anaesthesia: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Background: Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common and distressing complications in individuals undergoing surgical procedures, particularly laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Effective management of PONV is crucial for patient comfort, quicker recovery, and reduced healthcare costs. This study focused to compare the efficacy of oral aprepitant and injection palonosetron in preventing PONV in such surgical settings.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 120 participants undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Individuals were divided into three groups: Group A (oral aprepitant), Group P (injection palonosetron), and Group C (placebo). The occurrence of nausea and vomiting was monitored at various intervals post-surgery, and statistical analysis was performed to estimate the efficacy of the treatments.

Results: While all groups demonstrated some effectiveness in preventing nausea, with no significant statistical differences, Group A (Aprepitant) showed a significantly higher efficacy in preventing vomiting compared to Groups P and C. Aprepitant was notably more effective, suggesting its superiority as an antiemetic in this surgical context.

Conclusion: Aprepitant emerges as a potentially more effective antiemetic agent for preventing vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, compared to palonosetron and placebo.

Recommendations: Future research should focus on optimizing antiemetic regimens tailored to individual patient needs and specific surgical procedures. Further studies are also recommended to explore the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of using aprepitant in perioperative care.