Obstetrics & Gynecology · Surgery ·
Noise-attenuating earmuffs reduced PONV in a gynecologic laparoscopy trial
In a single-center, patient- and assessor-blinded randomized trial of 192 women undergoing elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery, intraoperative noise-attenuating earmuffs were associated with less postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) over 48 hours. All participants received dexamethasone and palonosetron; the findings need confirmation beyond this study setting.
- PONV occurred in 35.4% with earmuffs versus 52.1% with usual care.
- All participants received dexamethasone and palonosetron.
- The single-center trial enrolled 192 women undergoing gynecological laparoscopy.
PONV remains common after gynecological laparoscopic surgery despite prophylaxis. In this single-center randomized trial, 192 women aged 18 to 65 years were assigned to wear passive noise-attenuating earmuffs from induction through surgery or to receive usual care. All patients received dexamethasone and palonosetron. The primary outcome was any nausea, retching, or vomiting within 48 hours, assessed in three prespecified time windows.
PONV occurred within 48 hours in 34 of 96 patients (35.4%) in the earmuff group and 50 of 96 (52.1%) in the control group. The adjusted risk difference was −0.179 (95% CI, −0.318 to −0.040; P = 0.012). PONV severity and retching also favored noise isolation. Adverse events, quality of recovery, and opioid exposure showed no evidence of a difference.
The findings suggest noise attenuation may be a useful adjunct to antiemetic prophylaxis in this population, but do not establish its effectiveness in other surgical settings or patient groups. The trial was single-center, and all participants received dual antiemetic prophylaxis; the results therefore require confirmation before broader conclusions about clinical use.
In practice
For women aged 18 to 65 undergoing elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery with dexamethasone and palonosetron prophylaxis, intraoperative passive noise-attenuating earmuffs were associated with lower 48-hour PONV incidence in a randomized trial: 35.4% versus 52.1%. This is promising evidence for a nonpharmacologic adjunct, not evidence that prophylaxis should be changed or that benefit extends to other procedures or patient groups. The study was conducted at one center, and confirmation in broader settings is needed.
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Anesthesiology: Intraoperative Noise Isolation and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.