Aprepitant for Oculoplastic Surgeries

PURPOSE: Postoperative nausea and vomiting remain significant concerns in surgical care, impacting patient recovery, satisfaction, and healthcare costs. This study evaluates the efficacy of 40 mg oral aprepitant in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence and severity compared with placebo. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind study was conducted on patients undergoing oculoplastic procedures. Patients were assigned to receive either 40 mg oral aprepitant or placebo preoperatively. Postoperative nausea and vomiting severity was assessed postoperatively using the modified Baxter Nausea Scale, with additional data collected on rescue antiemetic and opioid use. Statistical analysis, including Fisher exact test and 95% confidence intervals, was performed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Patients in the aprepitant group reported significantly lower nausea severity scores and a reduced incidence of vomiting compared with the placebo group. Additionally, patients receiving aprepitant required fewer postoperative doses of ondansetron and opioids. The safety profile of aprepitant was consistent with previous studies, with no significant adverse effects reported. CONCLUSIONS: Aprepitant demonstrated efficacy in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting and decreasing reliance on rescue antiemetics and opioids. These findings support its potential integration into standard prophylactic regimens for postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention in oculoplastic surgery.