Comparison of the efficacy of ramosetron and ondansetron in the prophylaxis of postoperative vomiting in children receiving fentanyl by patient-controlled analgesia after orthopedic surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Background This study was designed to compare the efficacy of prophylactic ramosetron and ondansetron in preventing postoperative vomiting in children who received fentanyl by patient-controlled analgesia after orthopedic surgery. Methods Two hundred and eighteen children, 215years old, ASA physical status 1 or 2, scheduled for elective orthopedic surgeries, were randomly divided into the ramosetron group (n=109) or ondansetron group (n=109). Patients in ondansetron group received ondansetron 100g center dot kg1 and patients in ramosetron group received ramosetron 6g center dot kg1 after surgery. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl was used in both groups. The incidence of postoperative vomiting and side effects were assessed during the 48h after surgery. Results There was significantly less vomiting during the first 24-h and 624-h period after surgery in ramosetron group than in ondansetron group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in side effect of 5-HT3 antagonist between the two groups. Conclusion Ramosetron was more effective during the first 24-h period after surgery than ondansetron in children using fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia after general anesthesia.