Effect of transdermal hyoscine on nausea and vomiting after surgical correction of prominent ears under general anaesthesia

In a double-blind, randomized study, we have compared the efficacy of transdermal hyoscine with placebo in the reduction of nausea and vomiting in 50 patients, ASA I–II, after surgical correction of prominent ears under general anaesthesia. In the placebo group, 28%, 4% and 48% of patients suffered nausea, retching and vomiting, respectively, during the first 24 h after anaesthesia. The corresponding values in the hyoscine group were 12%, 0% and 16% ( P > 0.01). In the placebo group more patients (48%) needed droperidol as an antiemetic compared with the hyoscine group (16%; P > 0.05). There was significantly more sedation in the hyoscine group.