OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of transdermal scopolamine in addition to ondansetron in decreasing the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Academic hospital.

METHODS

126 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing outpatient plastic surgery with three or more risk factors for PONV.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive (Group 1) a transdermal scopolamine (TDS) patch or (Group 2), a placebo patch two hours before surgery.

METHODS

Occurrence of vomiting, severity of nausea using a visual analog scale (VAS), rescue medication, pain intensity and pain medications, and side effects were recorded every hour until discharge from hospital, then every 4 hours thereafter for a total of 24 hours.

RESULTS

A statistically significant reduction in postoperative nausea between 8 and 24 hours in patients receiving TDS was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Transdermal scopolamine in addition to ondansetron benefits patients at high risk for PONV undergoing outpatient plastic surgery for up to 20 hours after surgery.