Palonosetron versus Ondansetron as Prophylaxis against Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are prevalent symptoms after laparoscopic surgeries with an incidence rate of (54% - 79%) in bariatric procedures. Despite its popularity, limited studies assessed the effect of antiemetics for PONV prophylaxis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The aim of this trail is to compare the effectiveness of a single pre-induction intravenous dose of Palonosetron versus Ondansetron for prophylaxis of PONV, 24 hours after LSG. Subjects and Methods: This prospective randomized controlled double-blind parallel-group study was conducted from May till December 2019. Recruited patients were consented and randomized using a closed envelop method into two groups with fifty patients each. The total number of nausea and vomiting attacks in the 24 hours postoperatively was considered as a primary end point. The secondary end points were the frequency of nausea, retching and vomiting attacks in the 24 hours post-surgery. The severity of nausea was evaluated using a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: This RCT included 100 patients divided into 2 groups of 50 patients each. Patients received either 75 mcg Palonosetron (Group I) or Ondansetron 4 mg (group II). Group I had statistically significant fewer episodes of nausea, retching and vomiting in the first 4 hours (P = 0.022) and from 4 to 12 hours (P = 0.024) but not after 12 hours post LSG. Total episodes of nausea, retching and vomiting in 24 hours postoperative were significantly less in group I (P = 0.021). Conclusion: A single dose of intravenous 75 mcg Palonosetron is superior to Ondansetron 4 mg in preventing PONV for patients after LSG.

Does Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Increase the Risk of Post-Operative Respiratory Complications after Bariatric Surgery?

Background: OSA affects up to quarter of general population. It is associated with morbid obesity with a higher morbidity and mortality rates. STOP Bang questionnaire is a validated method for OSA screening. OSA patients are at high risk of developing airway obstruction, cardiac events, congestive heart failure, stroke and desaturation post operatively. The aim of this study is to evaluate adverse respiratory events in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in relation to risk of OSA using Stop Bang questionnaire. Methods: This prospective double cohort study was conducted in Tanta University Hospital from Marchto August 2017. During the preoperative assessment, STOP-BANG questionnaire was performed. After extubation, patients were transferred to PACU unit. Respiratory complications were assessed thereafter. Based on STOP-BANG score, patients were divided into two groups, high risk of OSA with STOP-BANG > 3 (Group I) and low risk of OSA with STOP-BANG Results: 104 patients were included in this study. Group I had more comorbidities in the form of CAD (15% versus 2%, P 0.001). Higher number of respiratory complications was noted in high-risk group (31 patients, 59%) compared to (24 patients, 46%) in group II yet, it was not significant. Conclusion: Obese patients with STOP-BANG score > 3 undergoing bariatric surgery are associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, CAD, and renal insufficiency. High-risk OSA obese patients are at higher risk of developing respiratory compilations like inability to breathe deeply and hypoxia in postoperatively.