Study of propofol for control of nausea and vomiting during caesarian delivery under spinal anaesthesia

Introduction: The incidence of nausea-vomiting during and immediately after caesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia is common occurrence and annoying problems to all concerned. The abrupt diaphragmatic contractions, present in emesis are uncomfortable to the patient and may cause protrusion of the abdominal viscera, rendering surgery more difficult and increasing the risk of visceral injuries. If the stomach is full, aspiration is an additional hazard. Therefore, it seems to be advisable to prevent it during spinal anesthesia for caesarean section. Aim & Objective: To assess the magnitude of intraoperative and post operative nausea, retching and vomiting in parturients, Evaluate the efficacy of propofol at subhypnotic doses for reducing emetic episodes in parturients. Observation: The result of study indicates the incidence of intraoperative emetic episodes in caesarean delivery is very high. In the study 6% of patients in propofol group experienced intra-operative vomiting, while in placebo group it was 30%(p=0.004). Conclusion: Propofol at 1mg/kg/hr infusion, administered immediately after clamping the umbilical cord, significantly decreased the incidence and severity of nausea, retching and vomiting and the need for rescue antiemetic therapy compared with placebo