Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Myringoplasty under Continuous Sedation Using Midazolam with or without Remifentanil

PURPOSE: This prospective study evaluated the effects of continuous sedation using midazolam, with or without remifentanil, on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing myringoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing myringoplasty were sedated with midazolam in the presence of remifentanil (group MR), or after saline injection instead of remifentanil (group M). RESULTS: Three patients (10%) in group M complained of nausea; two vomited. Four patients (13%) in group MR complained of nausea and vomited within 24 h after surgery. Rescue drugs were given to the six patients who vomited. No significant difference was detected between the two groups regarding the incidence or severity of nausea, incidence of vomiting, or need for rescue drugs. CONCLUSION: Midazolam-based continuous sedation can reduce PONV after myringoplasty. Compared with midazolam alone, midazolam with remifentanil produced no difference in the incidence or severity of nausea, incidence of vomiting, or need for rescue drugs.