Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-s2hrs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-10T11:31:42.342Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Does etomidate increase postoperative nausea? A double-blind controlled comparison of etomidate in lipid emulsion with propofol for balanced anaesthesia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 August 2006

M. St Pierre
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
M. Dunkel
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
A. Rutherford
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
W. Hering
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
Get access

Abstract

In a double-blind randomized study, the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting was investigated with a new formulation of etomidate (Etomidate-®Lipuro, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Germany) compared with propofol for induction of a balanced anaesthesia with isoflurane/fentanyl in air.

The incidence and intensity of nausea was examined by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0–100 mm) at 1, 2, between 6 and 8, and 24 h postoperatively. One-hundred-and-sixty-four patients undergoing orthopedic procedures were studied. For etomidate vs. propofol, 14.6% vs. 14.2% male and 26.8% vs. 27.5% female patients were nauseated during the first two postoperative hours. The median rating for nausea remained below 5 mm at any time in both groups, i.e. the intensity of nausea was very low. The incidence of vomiting was higher in women receiving etomidate (26.8% vs. 10%).

We conclude that etomidate does not increase nausea during the early postoperative period.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
2000 European Society of Anaesthesiology

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)