The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 8 mg of dexamethasone administered prior surgery, to reduce pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting and to improve vocal function after thyroidectomy for benign disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years
• Patients undergoing thyroidectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who had received antiemetic therapy within 48 hours before surgery
• Patients with depression
• Chronic pain disorder
• Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• History of severe and/or repeated PONV after previous minor surgery, that led to change from standard anesthetic protocol
• Pregnancy
• Age < 18 years
• Patients who had known malignant disease or had undergone previous thyroid or neck surgery