Chewing Gum vs. Ondansetron as Rescue Treatment for PONV in Female Patients

The proposed randomized clinical trial aims to test and compare the efficacy of chewing gum vs. Intravenous antiemetic ondansetron as rescue treatment for post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) among Lebanese female patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in the post-operative anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Post-operative nausea and vomiting remains a significant complication following general anesthesia, particularly when volatile anesthetics are used. Previous studies, including a multicenter randomized trial conducted in Australia, have explored alternative treatment modalities for PONV. Chewing gum, a non-pharmacological intervention, has shown promise as a potential alternative or adjunct to conventional antiemetics like ondansetron. This study focuses on the Lebanese female population, aged 18 and above, who have undergone laparoscopic surgery under volatile anesthetic-based general anesthesia. This demographic is chosen based on established risk factors for PONV and may offer unique insights into efficacy within this subgroup.