The effects of preoperative rofecoxib, metoclopramide, dexamethasone, and ondansetron on postoperative pain and nausea in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background No trial to date has evaluated the combined effect of preoperative Rofecoxib, Metoclopramide, Dexamethasone, and Ondansetron on postoperative pain and nausea in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods A prospective randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial was conducted on patients undergoing elective LC. The patients in the intervention group received Rofecoxib 25 mg PO. Additionally the study group received Metoclopramide 10 mg and Dexamethasone 4 mg; and Ondansetron 4 mg intravenously. Pain and nausea were rated preoperatively, on arrival at the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), at points until discharge, and at 24 hours. Results 97 patients were in the control group, and 108 received intervention. The intervention group had a smaller proportion of men (10% vs. 23%; p < 0.015). There were differences in: length of stay (LOS) until discharge criteria met (12.88 vs. 9.85 hours, p = 0.0006), pain rating on arrival to floor (3.55 vs. 2.48, p = 0.003); highest pain rating (4.38 vs. 3.56, p = 0.032), highest nausea rating (2.99 vs. 1.47, p = 0.001), worst nausea since discharge (2.58 vs. 1.26, p = 0.005), and the use of postoperative anti-emetics in women (64% vs. 37.1%, p = 0.001). Conclusions The use of this preoperative regimen resulted in decreased LOS, maximum pain, and nausea ratings. Patients in the intervention group required less postoperative anti-emetics.