Postoperative nausea and vomiting remains a common problem following thyroidectomy. This study was designed to compare the prophylactic effects of ramosetron with dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in women undergoing thyroidectomy.

In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, one hundred fifty women (ASA physical status 1, 2), scheduled for thyroidectomy, were allocated to one of three groups. They received an intravenous saline (group C), dexamethasone 0.15 mg/kg (group D) or ramosetron 6 µg/kg (group R) after induction of anesthesia. The incidence and severity of PONV, the need for rescue antiemetics, and the side effects of antiemetics during 48 hours after surgery were evaluated.

The incidence of PONV of group R and D was similarly lower than that of group C, with an incidence of 14%, 22%, 66%, respectively (P < 0.01; group R versus group C, group D versus group C). However, the severity of nausea and the need for rescue antiemetics of group R were significantly lower than those of group D and C.

Our results showed that both ramosetron and dexamethasone were effective as prophylactic antiemetics in women undergoing thyroidectomy. But, compared with dexamethasone, ramosetron was more effective in reducing the severity of PONV and the need for rescue antiemetics.