Perioperative Antiemetic Therapy for Fast-Track Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

Olumuyiwa A. Bamgbade, Oluwafemi Oluwole, Rong R. Khaw

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is problematic in bariatric surgery patients and has negative impacts on perioperative outcome. Antiemetic prophylaxis may reduce PONV. Perioperative antiemetic prophylaxis or therapy is crucial and may enhance fast-track bariatric surgery. This study examined the impact of intraoperative multimodal antiemetic prophylaxis on fast-track bariatric surgery. This prospective observational clinical study explored the perioperative data of 400 consecutive laparoscopic bariatric surgery patients, over a 6-year period. Perioperative outcomes and variables were analyzed and compared between different intraoperative antiemetic modes. The mean BMI was 49, mean age was 42, and male:female ratio was 1:4. About 70% of patients received intraoperative multimodal antiemetic, comprising combinations of prochlorperazine, dexamethasone, ondansetron, or cyclizine. PONV occurred in 19.5% of patients. Intraoperative multimodal antiemetic was associated with significantly less PONV, shorter post-anesthesia care unit duration, earlier postoperative drinking, and shorter hospital stay (p = 0.001). Compared to other multimodal antiemetic modes, dexamethasone + cyclizine + prochlorperazine provided the best prophylaxis and outcome: p = 0.002. PONV is a common and peculiar problem in bariatric surgery patients. However, intraoperative multimodal antiemetic prophylaxis effectively minimizes PONV. Intraoperative multimodal antiemetic enhances fast-track bariatric surgical care, patient satisfaction, and perioperative outcomes.