Infection Associated With Single-Dose Dexamethasone for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Literature Review

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting is one of the most common complications affecting surgical patients. The glucocorticoid dexamethasone is often used for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. This literature review seeks to summarize research related to the use of a single perioperative dose of dexamethasone for prophylactic treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting and its impact on surgical healing. Although the majority of the literature reviewed found no association between single-dose intraoperative dexamethasone and an increase in surgical site infections, the need for a large-scale randomized controlled trial is consistently mentioned. Prudent clinicians should always use the most current evidence with their best clinical judgment when making medication decisions for their patients.