Effect of selective opioid agonist taphalgin on the risk of nausea and vomiting after thyroid surgery in young non-smoking females

The problem of postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV) remains actual, especially for high risk patients. Objective. To analyze the effect of premedication with trimeperidine and taphalgin on the risk of PONV after thyroid surgery in young non-smoking females. Material and methods. There were 70 non-smoking female patients younger 50 years after thyroid surgery: group 1 (n=35) — premedication with trimeperidine, group 2 (n=35) — premedication with selective agonist of μ1 opioid receptors (taphalgin). The incidence and intensity of PONV within a day after surgery were assessed. Results. The absolute risk of postoperative nausea was 71.4% (95% CI 55.0—85.4%) and 31.4% (95% CI 16.9—48.2%) (p=0.0008), vomiting — 48.6% (95% CI 31.8—55.5%) and 22.9% (95% CI 10.3—38.6%) (p=0.023), respectively. The absolute risk reduction for nausea and vomiting was 40% (95% CI 16.6—57.8%) and 25.7% (95% CI 3.3—0.95%), respectively. The NNT score was 2.5 (95% CI 1.7—6.0) for nausea and 3.9 (95% CI 2.2—30.6) for vomiting. NRS scores of nausea were similar in both groups: 4 (3—6) and 4 (2—4) points, respectively (p=0.36). Course of anesthesia and early postoperative period, including the incidence of other complications, did not differ between groups. Conclusion. Premedication with taphalgin instead of trimeperidine is advisable in patients with high risk of PONV.