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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-01-2012

Dexamethasone for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Authors: Chia-Che Chen, Fahad Javaid Siddiqui, Ta-Liang Chen, Edwin Shih-Yen Chan, Ka-Wai Tam

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication after thyroidectomy. Steroids effectively reduce nausea, pain, and inflammation; therefore, preoperative administration of steroids ought to improve these surgical outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared preoperative single-dose administration of dexamethasone with no dexamethasone in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The primary outcome was occurrence of PONV within 24 h, and the secondary outcomes were pain, use of analgesics, and steroid-related complications.

Results

Five RCTs were included with a total of 497 patients. A statistically and clinically significant difference in the incidence of PONV was found in favor of dexamethasone [relative risk (RR) 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30–0.49). The visual analog pain score was significantly diminished (weighted mean difference, WMD)–1.50; 95% CI–2.54 to –0.46) at 24 h. The incidence of analgesics use was also reduced (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.41–0.90) in the dexamethasone group. No steroid-related complications were noted.

Conclusions

A single preoperative administration of dexamethasone reduced the incidence of PONV and analgesic requirements in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Prophylactic use of steroids for patients undergoing thyroidectomy is safe and should be considered for routine clinical practice.

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Title: Dexamethasone for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chia-Che Chen
Fahad Javaid Siddiqui
Ta-Liang Chen
Edwin Shih-Yen Chan
Ka-Wai Tam
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-011-1343-9

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Dexamethasone for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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