• H S Sohi, J Heipel, K J Inman, B Chinnick, D G Cunningham, R L Holliday, and M J Girotti.
• Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, Victoria Hospital, London.
• Can J Surg. 1994 Aug 1; 37 (4): 307-12.

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of scopolamine administered transdermally before laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a means of reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting.DesignA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.SettingA tertiary-care, university-affiliated hospital.PatientsA volunteer sample of 125 men and women between 20 and 60 years of age scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Expectant or nursing mothers were excluded, and 35 patients were excluded from the final analysis because of protocol violations. Forty-three patients received scopolamine and 47 patients received a placebo.InterventionA skin patch (scopolamine or placebo) was applied behind the right ear on the evening before operation and maintained for at least 24 hours postoperatively.Main Outcome MeasuresThe postoperative level of nausea assessed by the patient on a visual analogue scale, the frequency of vomiting and the frequency of antiemetic use.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the level of nausea or in the frequency of emesis or use of antiemetics in the first 24 hours postoperatively between the control and study groups. Furthermore, there was no difference in the overall frequency of side effects. However, visual blurring was experienced by six patients in the study group compared with one in the control group (p = 0.082).ConclusionScopolamine administered transdermally before laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not reduce the frequency or level of nausea and vomiting postoperatively.

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