Chewing Gum vs. Ondansetron as Rescue Treatment for PONV in Female Patients

A Randomized Clinical Trial; Chewing Gum vs. Ondansetron as Rescue Treatment for PONV in Female Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery at a Single Centre in Lebanon

The proposed randomized clinical trial aims to test and compare the efficacy of chewing gum vs. Intravenous antiemetic ondansetron as rescue treatment for post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) among Lebanese female patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in the post-operative anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Post-operative nausea and vomiting remains a significant complication following general anesthesia, particularly when volatile anesthetics are used. Previous studies, including a multicenter randomized trial conducted in Australia, have explored alternative treatment modalities for PONV. Chewing gum, a non-pharmacological intervention, has shown promise as a potential alternative or adjunct to conventional antiemetics like ondansetron. This study focuses on the Lebanese female population, aged 18 and above, who have undergone laparoscopic surgery under volatile anesthetic-based general anesthesia. This demographic is chosen based on established risk factors for PONV and may offer unique insights into efficacy within this subgroup.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Females
• Aged 18 and above,
• Weight 40kg and above,
• Who have undergone laparoscopic
• Surgery under volatile anesthetic-based general anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have history of motion sickness,
• Maintained anesthesia during surgery using Propofol-pump
• Were given antiemetics within 8 hours pre-surgery
• Allergy to ondansetron
• Planned mechanical ventilation post-operation