2018, Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A

Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized study was conducted over a one-year period (from January 2017 to December 2017) in a tertiary care setting. Sixty patients aged 18-55 years undergoing elective tonsillectomy were allocated into two groups: one receiving total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol, and the other receiving balanced anesthesia with inhalational agents. PONV incidence, time to first emesis, rescue antiemetic requirement, and patient satisfaction were evaluated over a 24-hour postoperative period.

Results: The incidence of PONV in the propofol group was markedly lower (16.7%) compared to the control group (55.0%), achieving statistical significance (p = 0.002). The mean time to first emetic episode was significantly prolonged in the propofol cohort (185.6 minutes vs. 98.4 minutes). Rescue antiemetic use was reduced (10.0% vs. 36.7%), and patient satisfaction scores were higher (4.4 vs. 3.2). Earlier oral intake and lower postoperative pain scores further reinforced the superiority of propofol in enhancing postoperative recovery.

Conclusion: Propofol, when employed as the primary anesthetic agent in tonsillectomy, significantly reduces PONV and improves overall patient outcomes. Its integration into anesthetic protocols for emetogenic procedures is both clinically advantageous and evidence-supported.