The Efficacy of Betahistine in Reducing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy are at high risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). In this study, we investigated the effect of oral betahistine on the reduction of incidence and severity of PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial; 132 patients were randomly assigned into two groups, who received betahistine 16 mg orally or placebo 3 hours before surgery, respectively. The severity and incidence of PONV were evaluated using the NRS (Numerical Rating Scale). Side effects of the drug were reported as a secondary outcome of the study.

The rate of PONV absence and the need for rescue anti-nausea medication in the betahistine group were higher than those in the placebo group (66.7% vs. 39.4%, p = 0.008). The severity of postoperative nausea in the betahistine group was significantly lower than in the placebo group from the time of recovery to 48 hours after surgery (p<0.001). Moreover, the need for rescue anti-nausea medication in the placebo group was significantly higher than in the betahistine group (p = 0.002). Finally, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of drug side effects.

Betahistine significantly reduced the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to placebo (p = 0.008 and p < 0.001, respectively), required less rescue medication (p = 0.002), and showed no difference in side effects

Betahistine significantly prevented PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The study was reported under the Iranian Clinical Trial Center (N:lRCT2020 1225049829N1).