Positive Health Online

Abstract

PONGROJPAW and CHIAMCHANYA, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand, report on the efficacy of ginger in the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy.

Background

This randomized controlled trial was designed to test the efficacy of ginger in the prevention of post-laparoscopy nausea and vomiting.

Methodology

80 women who underwent outpatient laparoscopic surgery were randomly allocated to study or placebo group. The study group received 2 capsules containing 0.5 g of powdered ginger one hour before the surgery. The placebo group received placebo capsules. Visual analogue nausea scores (VANS) were recorded 2, 4, and 24 hours post surgery. Vomiting was also recorded.

Results

In the study group, 12 women (30%) suffered from nausea, as compared to 23 (57%) in the placebo group. The VANS was lower in the study group at 2 and 4 hours (p = 0.05), while at 24 hours there was no difference. Incidence and frequency of vomiting was lower in the study group but not to a statistically significant degree.

Conclusion

From these results, it appears that ginger is effective as a preventive agent for post-operative nausea.

References

Pongrojpaw D, Chiamchanya C. The efficacy of ginger in prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting after outpatient gynecological laparoscopy. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 86 (3): 244-250, Mar 2003.