Introduction: Nausea, retching and vomiting are common and distressing for parturient undergoing cesarean delivery perform under regional anaesthesia. In recent years, various anti-emetic agents has been used for treatment of intraoperative and post-operative nausea and vomiting. None of the currently available antiemetic regimes are entirely effective and many are associated themselves with unpleasant side effects.

Material and Methods: This Randomized prospective study was conducted on 60 cases. Female patients ranging 20-45yrs (ASA I or II) at term undergoing cesarean section with spinal anaesthesia were included in this study.

Patients were randomly allocated into three groups (N= 20 each) to receive:

1. Group I: Infusion of inj. Propofol 1mg/kg/hr
2. Group II: Inj. Dexamethasone 8mg with infusion of injpropofol 1mg/kg/hr
3. Group III: Infusion of normal saline 1mg/kg/hr

Results: No statistically significant differences were found in pre-anaesthetic check-up parameters among the three groups. 35% patients in propofol group, 10% in Group II and 85% in control group show intraoperative symptoms (p<0.001). 85% patients in control group, 10% in propofol group and 5% in Group II had postoperative symptoms (p<0.001). The difference was found insignificant (p>0.05). Sedation seen in one patient in propofol group and one patient in propofol+dexona group. No other adverse effects were found in any group.

Conclusion:  We conclude that propofol given at subhypnotic dose infusion with dexamethasone is safe and more effective in controlling perioperative emetic symptoms compared to propofol or control group without increase in significant side effects in patient undergoing cesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

Keywords: Dexamethasone, Propofol, Dexamethasone, Subhypnotic

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Dr Kiwi Mantan

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