掌侧锁定加压钢板治疗背侧不稳定桡骨远端骨折的临床研究

目的初步探讨掌侧锁定加压钢板(LCP)固定治疗背侧不稳定桡骨远端骨折的方法及其效果。方法回顾性分析掌侧LCP结合克氏针撬拨、植骨等技术治疗背侧不稳定桡骨远端骨折35例,比较研究手术前后掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩及关节活动范围等,初步评价其临床疗效。结果经随访9～24个月(平均17个月),掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩均获明显改善,腕关节功能按Sarmiento标准评定:优20例,良12例,可2例,差1例。结论对背侧不稳定桡骨远端骨折,掌侧LCP是一种安全有效的治疗方法,可有效防止复位丢失、减少结构性植骨、避免肌腱激惹等。     

掌侧钢板固定治疗不稳定的背侧移位桡骨远端骨折

[目的]初步探讨掌侧钢板（locking compression plate，LCP）固定治疗不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折的方法及其效果。[方法]回顾性分析掌侧LCP结合克氏针撬拨、植骨等技术治疗不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折35例，比较研究手术前后掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩及关节活动范围等，初步评价其临床疗效。[结果]经随访9-24个月（平均17个月），掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩均获明显改善，腕关节功能按Sarmiento标准评定，优20例、良12例、可2例、差1例。[结论]对不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折，掌侧LCP是一种安全有效的治疗方法，可有效防止复位丢失、减少结构性植骨、避免肌腱激惹等并发症。     

掌侧锁定加压钢板与外固定支架治疗不稳定桡骨远端C型骨折的比较研究

目的比较研究掌侧锁定加压钢板（LCP）与外固定支架固定治疗不稳定桡骨远端C型骨折的疗效及适应证。方法2000年1月-2006年6月分别采用外固定支架和掌侧LCP结合克氏针撬拨、植骨等技术治疗不稳定桡骨远端C型骨折61例（85侧），骨折按AO／ASIF分型：C1型28侧，C2型33侧，C3型24侧。其中掌侧LCP治疗组34侧，外固定支架固定组51侧。比较两组手术前后掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩及关节活动范围等，初步评价其临床疗效。结果所有患者经6～27个月（平均16个月）随访。掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩及关节面均获明显改善。腕关节功能按Gartland—Werlev标准评定，C1、C2型骨折LCP组优于外固定支架组，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）；C3型骨折两组差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论对于掌侧或背侧不稳定的C1、C2型桡骨远端骨折，掌侧LCP可提供有效固定及早期活动；背侧不稳定的C型桡骨远端骨折是外固定支架的最佳适应证；严重粉碎的C3型骨折（尤其掌侧不稳定者）应联合运用LCP和外固定支架等技术。     

复杂桡骨远端骨折的手术治疗

目的 探讨手术治疗复杂桡骨远端骨折的疗效.方法 对65例复杂桡骨远端骨折根据骨折类型及特点,采用切开复位关节面,植骨支撑桡骨远端关节面,恢复掌倾角、尺偏角,应用钢板、克氏针、外固定架等方法 联合固定.随访观察骨折愈合时间、腕关节活动范围,术后掌倾角、尺偏角的平均角度.结果 本组随访时间8～24个月,平均12.5个月.所...     

掌侧锁定接骨板结合背侧支撑钢板固定治疗不稳定的背侧移位桡骨远端骨折

[目的]初步探讨掌侧锁定加压钢板(locking compression plate,LCP)结合背侧支撑钢板固定治疗不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折的方法及其效果。[方法]回顾性分析掌侧LCP结合背侧1/4管型钢板固定治疗不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折23例,比较手术前后掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩及关节活动范围等,初步评价其临床疗效。[结果]经随访13~24个月(平均15个月),掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩均获明显改善,腕关节功能按Sarmiento标准评定,优18例、良5例。[结论]对不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折,掌侧LCP结合背侧支撑钢板固定是一种安全有效的治疗方法,可有效防止复位丢失,获得较为满意的腕关节功能。     

钢板预置关节镜复位技术(PART)治疗桡骨远端骨折

目的 研究使用钢板预置关节镜复位技术(PART)治疗桡骨远端骨折,将腕掌侧锁定钢板技术与腕关节镜有效结合,提高C型桡骨远端骨折(AO分型)的治疗效果.方法 自2009年2月～2011年7月使用PART技术对13例桡骨远端C型骨折进行手术治疗,行桡骨远端骨折切开复位后予克氏针及预置掌侧锁定钢板临时固定骨折,在腕关节镜下对关节面处骨折行进一步复位,满意后用钢板螺钉将骨折完全固定.结果 桡骨远端关节面台阶移位及水平移位均在2 mm内.掌倾角0～15°,平均13.4°,尺偏角17～26°,平均22.3°.桡骨远端高度无短缩.采用Gartland和Werley评分标准对腕关节功能进行评价:优8例,良4例,中1例.结论 PART技术治疗桡骨远端C型骨折,将腕掌侧锁定钢板技术与腕关节镜有效简便结合,提高了关节面骨折复位水平,骨折固定坚强,可早期进行腕关节功能锻炼,临床效果优异.     

掌侧锁定钢板结合外支架经掌、背侧入路治疗桡骨远端C3型骨折

目的探讨掌侧锁定钢板结合外支架经掌、背侧入路治疗桡骨远端C3型骨折的疗效。方法对19例桡骨远端C3型骨折患者使用掌侧锁定钢板、外支架经掌、背侧入路治疗。术后4周调整外支架为中立位,开始前臂的旋转锻炼;术后6周拆除外支架,开始腕关节的功能锻炼。结果 19例均获随访,时间8～15个月。随访期内无骨髓炎及病灶感染,无创伤性关节炎发生。术后4～6个月X线片提示骨折愈合。术后6个月时腕关节功能按Gartland-Werley标准评分:优14例,良3例,中2例。腕关节X线片桡骨远端相对高度、掌倾角、尺偏角参数术后1周和术后6个月比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),术后6个月和健腕比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论掌侧锁定钢板结合外支架经掌、背侧入路是一种治疗桡骨远端C3型骨折有效方法。     

掌侧锁定钢板联合外固定架固定治疗陈旧性骨质疏松性桡骨远端骨折

目的探讨掌侧锁定钢板联合外固定架固定治疗陈旧性骨质疏松性桡骨远端骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2015-01—2018-06采用掌侧锁定钢板内固定联合桡侧外固定架固定治疗的22例陈旧性骨质疏松性桡骨远端骨折,比较术前与术后12个月桡骨远端掌倾角、桡骨远端尺偏角、屈曲活动度、背伸活动度、腕关节旋前、旋后角度。结果22例均顺利完成手术并获得至少12个月随访,随访时间12~18个月,平均14.7个月。术后切口愈合良好,未出现感染等并发症,未出现螺钉松动及内固定断裂、内固定移位、骨折断端再移位等并发症。术后12个月Gartland-Werley腕关节功能等级:优4例,良14例,可3例,差1例。术后12个月桡骨远端掌倾角、桡骨远端尺偏角、屈曲活动度、背伸活动度、腕关节旋前、旋后角度较术前均明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论掌侧锁定钢板内固定联合桡侧外固定架手术治疗骨质疏松性桡骨远端陈旧骨折能较好地复位固定骨折断端,提高了固定强度,促进了骨折愈合,可避免桡骨短缩及骨折移位,改善腕关节功能,临床效果满意。     

锁定钢板内固定治疗不稳定型桡骨远端骨质疏松骨折

目的 探讨锁定钢板内固定治疗不稳定型桡骨远端骨质疏松骨折的疗效.方法 2007年2月至2009年8月共收治19例老年桡骨远端骨质疏松骨折,AO分型:C1型13例,C2型6例.所有患者均采用切开复位掌侧锁定钢板内固定术,其中T型锁定钛板15例,L型锁定钢板4例.采用掌侧切开复位17例,掌背侧联合切开复位2例.结果 19例患者术后获平均7.3个月(3～18个月)随访,骨折愈合时间为8～14周,平均11.8周.无骨折不愈合、关节炎表现,掌倾角0～14°,平均8°;尺偏角13°～25°,平均22°;桡骨茎突高度短缩0～0.6 cm,平均0.4 cm,桡骨轴向短缩0～0.4 cm;关节面落差0～1 mm 16例,1～2 mm 2例,大于2 mm 1例.按照Gartland&Werley功能评分:优15例,良2例,可1例,差1例,优良率为88.9%. 结论桡骨远端骨质疏松骨折采用切开复位锁定钢板内固定术,能尽可能地恢复桡骨远端的长度、关节面的解剖关系及掌倾角、尺偏角,术后可以尽早进行腕关节功能锻炼.     

T型钢板支撑植骨在桡骨远端塌陷粉碎性骨折中的应用

目的总结桡骨远端塌陷粉碎性骨折采用T型钢板内固定、支撑植骨联合石膏外固定的治疗效果。方法1999年1月-2006年7月，采用切开复位、T型钢板内固定、支撑植骨联合石膏外固定治疗38例桡骨远端塌陷粉碎性骨折患者。男24例，女14例；年龄20～74岁，平均41岁。闭合骨折30例，开放骨折8例。陈旧性骨折11例，新鲜骨折27例。根据AO分型：C2型18例，C3型20例。尺偏角-13～17&#176;。29例Colles骨折掌倾角平均-45．2&#176;；与健侧比较，桡骨纵轴掌侧平均短缩4、5mm；背侧平均短缩8．2mm。9例Smith骨折掌倾角平均27．60，掌侧平均短缩6．5mm，背侧平均短缩5．1mm。结果患者均获随访，随访时间9～20个月，平均13个月。无钢板断裂和医源性神经血管损伤。x线片示骨折于术后5～9周愈合，平均7周。桡骨纵轴长度恢复（与健侧比较），关节面平整；尺偏角16～24&#176;，平均21．2&#176;；掌倾角7～16&#176;，平均10．6&#176;。根据Dienst等功能评估表进行评定，优24例，良14例。结论T型钢板内固定、支撑植骨联合石膏外固定治疗桡骨远端塌陷粉碎性骨折，可有效恢复桡骨远端解剖结构、功能及良好外形。     

维生素D受体在糖尿病肾病足细胞损伤及蛋白尿缓解中的作用

目的探讨维生素D受体(VDR)在糖尿病肾病(DKD)足细胞中的表达水平及在足细胞损伤及蛋白尿缓解中的作用。方法(1)本研究纳入了65例诊断患有2型糖尿病(伴或不伴蛋白尿)的患者,并纳入了25例年龄和性别相匹配的健康体检者为对照组。根据白蛋白/肌酐(ACR)的尿排泄比例对2型糖尿病患者进行分组,分别为无蛋白尿(ACR<30 mg/g,n=24)、微量白蛋白尿(ACR 30~300 mg/g,n=18)和临床蛋白尿(ACR>300 mg/g,n=23)。另选择25例经肾活检确诊的DKD患者作为DKD组。正常肾脏组织标本均取自泌尿外科同一时期肾脏肿瘤切除患者10例。将各组检测指标进行对比,同时采用实时定量PCR、ELISA法和免疫组化法检测VDR在各组患者的血液、尿液样本和肾脏组织中的表达情况,以及使用Pearson相关分析分析VDR与尿蛋白的相关性。(2)在2型糖尿病肾病小鼠模型中对上述结果进行验证,将遗传背景均为C57BLKs/J的雄性db/db小鼠及同窝出生的db/m小鼠,随机分为正常对照组(A组)、DKD对照组(B组)、DKD二甲基亚砜处理组(C组)、DKD帕立骨化醇(VDR激动剂)处理组(D组),C、D组连续腹腔注射处理8周,对照组不做任何处理。小鼠10周龄时开始连续干预8周,在小鼠22周龄(开始干预后12周)检测各组小鼠体重、血、尿生化指标对比;Western印迹法检测β⁃catenin、VDR的变化;免疫荧光观察足细胞标志蛋白podocin及足细胞损伤蛋白α⁃SMA的表达变化。结果(1)与正常健康对照组相比,无蛋白尿组、微量白蛋白尿组和临床蛋白尿组的糖尿病患者血浆中VDR的mRNA和蛋白水平均较低(均P<0.05);与无蛋白尿组的糖尿病患者相比,微量白蛋白尿组和临床蛋白尿组的糖尿病患者血浆中VDR的mRNA和蛋白水平均较低(均P<0.05)。(2)与正常健康对照组相比,无蛋白尿糖尿病组和DKD组患者血浆中VDR的mRNA和蛋白水平均较低(均P<0.05);与无蛋白尿糖尿病组患者相比,DKD组患者血浆中VDR的mRNA和蛋白水平亦较低(均P<0.05)。(3)免疫组化结果显示,DKD组肾组织中VDR的表达明显少于正常对照组。(4)DKD患者血浆中VDR mRNA相对水平与ACR呈负相关(r=-0.342,P<0.05)。(5)各组尿液上清液中VDR的水平与血浆中的水平呈相反趋势。(6)Western印迹结果显示,B组、C组肾小球足细胞β⁃catenin蛋白表达高于D组(均P<0.05),VDR蛋白的表达低于D组(均P<0.05);免疫荧光结果显示,B组、C组肾小球足细胞podocin的表达低于D组(均P<0.05),α⁃SMA的表达高于D组(均P<0.05)。结论VDR高表达缓解DKD足细胞损伤及蛋白尿。     

罗伊适应模式对腹股沟疝无张力疝修补术后恢复情况的影响

目的探讨罗伊适应模式对患者腹股沟疝无张力疝修补术后恢复情况的影响。 方法将2016年1月至2019年5月在秦皇岛市第二医院择期进行无张力修补术治疗的120例腹股沟疝患者，按照随机数字法分为对照组和观察组，每组各60例。对照组采用常规护理治疗，观察组在对照组的基础上采用罗伊适应模式。比较2组患者的术后临床指标、心理状态、围手术期并发症发生情况及满意度。 结果术后观察组患者的首次排气时间、恢复正常饮食时间、离床活动时间和术后住院时间均低于对照组（P<0.05）；术后观察组患者的抑郁自评量表（SDS）和焦虑自评量表（SAS）评分显著低于对照组（P<0.05）；术后2组患者均无切口感染发生，2组患者尿潴留、急性疼痛、认知功能障碍、发热、血肿等发生率相比无统计学差异（P>0.05）；术后观察组患者护理满意度为96.67%，显著高于对照组的83.33%（P<0.05）。 结论在常规护理的基础上，罗伊适应模式用于患者腹股沟疝无张力修补围手术期，能有效改善术后患者的焦虑/抑郁情绪，不增加围手术期并发症，促进术后患者的恢复及提高治疗满意度。     

Long-term follow-up of callotasis lengthening of the capitate after resection of the lunate for the treatment of stage III lunate necrosis

The callotasis lengthening technique was used to gradually lengthen the capitate after resection of the lunate in stage IIIa necrosis in 23 patients. Results of ten patients with a follow-up of at least 5 years showed rapid and sufficient callus formation in every patient regardless of age. The callotasis lengthening modification of the Graner II operation provides all advantages and avoids the major inconvenience of the traditional Graner II operation. There was no increased rate of disturbed fracture healing. Results of the DTPA-gadolinium MRI study did not show any significant impairment of vascularization within the region of the capitate bone. With the “intrinsic bone formation,” contrary to every other intercarpal arthrodesis at the wrist, there is no need for an additional bone graft.     

Comparison of University of Wisconsin and University of Pittsburgh solutions for heart transplantation

The effectiveness of University of Wisconsin (UW) and University of Pittsburgh (UP) solutions for the preservation of rat hearts was compared. Lewis rat hearts were preserved with UW (group A, n=45) or UP (group B, n=45) solution for 0 or 24 h and then transplanted heterotopically into the recipients' abdomen. Ten recipients in each group were observed to obtain 1-week graft survival rates. Tissue water content and tissue content of adenine nucleotides were measured 2 h after transplantation in six grafts from each group. Six hearts preserved for 0 h and seven hearts preserved for 24 h were taken from each group 24 h after grafting for histopathology. The 1-week graft survival rates of groups A24 and B24 were 60% and 10%, respectively. In the 24-h preserved grafts, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and energy charge [(ATP+adenosine diphosphate/2)/(ATP+adenosine diphosphate+adenosine monophosphate)] of groups A and B were 0.972±0.165 and 0.200±0.123 mg/g wet tissue (P<0.05) and 74.4% and 61.1% (P<0.05), respectively. The tissue water content of group A24 was 71.7%, whereas that of group B24 was 74.1% (P<0.05). Histopathology revealed more severe muscle edema and necrosis and infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells in group B24 than in group A24. We conclude that UW solution is more appropriate for rat heart preservation than UP solution.     

Role of Conventional and Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spinal Treatment Protocol for Hydatid Disease

Objective:

To demonstrate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining the treatment protocol for hydatid disease of the spine.

Design:

Case report; literature review.

Findings:

Diffusion-weighted MRI can help differentiate complicated infected hydatidosis from abscesses, epidermoid cysts from arachnoid cysts, and benign from malignant vertebral compression fractures. It is also helpful in differentiating between abscesses and necrotic tumors.

Conclusion:

Diffusion-weighted MRI can help differentiate between infections requiring immediate surgery and those that can be treated medically with antihelmintic treatment.     

不同尿钙水平的Gitelman综合征患者临床特点比较

目的观察不同尿钙水平Gitelman综合征(GS)患者的临床特点,探讨尿钙在GS疾病临床分型中的价值。方法收集2016—2018年来自中国国家罕见病注册系统(NRSC)、在北京协和医院行SLC12A3基因检测诊断为GS患者的临床资料,分析其尿钙特点,比较不同尿钙水平患者的临床和实验室检查指标。氢氯噻嗪试验按照标准操作流程进行,测定患者基线和用药后3 h内氯离子排泄分数改变量的最大值(ΔFECl)。结果共有83例GS患者被纳入研究,其中低尿钙患者53例(63.86%)。低尿钙组尿钙/肌酐比明显低于非低尿钙组[(0.085±0.058)mmol/mmol比(0.471±0.284)mmol/mmol,t=7.349,P<0.001]。两组患者在年龄、性别、估算肾小球滤过率、血压、血尿电解质水平、代谢性碱中毒方面差异均无统计学意义。低尿钙组患者乏力(χ2=4.595,P=0.032)及多尿(χ2=5.778,P=0.016)发生比例低于非低尿钙组,两组患者在其他临床症状方面差异无统计学意义。低尿钙和非低尿钙组各有16例患者行氢氯噻嗪试验,中位ΔFECl结果分别为0.539%(0.430%,1.283%)和0.829%(0.119%,1.298%),均提示对氢氯噻嗪无反应,组间差异无统计学意义(U=130.000,P=0.956)。结论GS患者中低尿钙比例为63.86%,尿钙水平与疾病临床表型、NCC功能损伤严重程度之间均无明确相关性。     

Safety and tolerability of single intravenous doses of sugammadex administered simultaneously with rocuronium or vecuronium in healthy volunteers

BACKGROUND: Sugammadex rapidly reverses rocuronium- and vecuronium-induced neuromuscular block. To investigate the effect of combination of sugammadex and rocuronium or vecuronium on QT interval, it would be preferable to avoid the interference of anaesthesia. Therefore, this pilot study was performed to investigate the safety, tolerability, and plasma pharmacokinetics of single i.v. doses of sugammadex administered simultaneously with rocuronium or vecuronium to anaesthetized and non-anaesthetized healthy volunteers. METHODS: In this phase I study, 12 subjects were anaesthetized with propofol/remifentanil and received sugammadex 16, 20, or 32 mg kg(-1) combined with rocuronium 1.2 mg kg(-1) or vecuronium 0.1 mg kg(-1); four subjects were not anaesthetized and received sugammadex 32 mg kg(-1) with rocuronium 1.2 mg kg(-1) or vecuronium 0.1 mg kg(-1) (n=2 per treatment). Neuromuscular function was assessed by TOF-Watch SX monitoring in anaesthetized subjects and by clinical tests in non-anaesthetized volunteers. Sugammadex, rocuronium, and vecuronium plasma concentrations were measured at several time points. RESULTS: No serious adverse events (AEs) were reported. Fourteen subjects reported 23 AEs after study drug administration. Episodes of mild headache, tiredness, cold feeling (application site), dry mouth, oral discomfort, nausea, increased aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels, and moderate injection site irritation were considered as possibly related to the study drug. The ECG and vital signs showed no clinically relevant changes. Rocuronium/vecuronium plasma concentrations declined faster than those of sugammadex. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose administration of sugammadex 16, 20, or 32 mg kg(-1) in combination with rocuronium 1.2 mg kg(-1) or vecuronium 0.1 mg kg(-1) was well tolerated with no clinical evidence of residual neuromuscular block, confirming that these combinations can safely be administered simultaneously to non-anaesthetized subjects. Rocuronium and vecuronium plasma concentrations decreased faster than those of sugammadex, reducing the theoretical risk of neuromuscular block developing over time.     

Magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of rejection of a kindney allograft in the rat

Orthotopic DA (RT1^a) into Lewis (RT1¹) rat kidney allografts and control Lewis-into-Lewis grafts were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and perfusion measurement after intravenous injection of a superparamagnetic contrast agent. MRI anatomical scores (range 1–6) and perfusion rates were compared with graft histology (rank of rejection score 1–6). Not only acute rejection, but also chronic events were monitored after acute rejection was prevented by daily cyclosporine (Sandimmune) treatment during the first 2 weeks after transplantation. In acute allograft rejection (n=11), MRI scores reached the maximum value of 6 and perfusion rates were severely reduced within 5 days after transplantation; histology showed severe acute rejection (histologic score 5–6). In the chronic phase (100–130 days after transplantation), allografts (n=5) manifested rejection (in histology cellular rejection and vessel changes), accompanied by MRI scores of around 2–3 and reduced perfusion rates. Both in the acute and chronic phases, the MRI anatomical score correlated significantly with the histological score (Spearman rank correlation coefficient r _s 0.89, n=30, P<0.01), and perfusion rates correlated significantly with the MRI score or histological score (r _s values between-0.60 and -0.87, n=23, P<0.01). It is concluded that MRI represents an interesting tool for assessing the anatomical and hemodynamical status of a kidney allograft in the acute and chronic phases after transplantation.     

Fibrinogen-thrombin collagen patch reinforcement of highrisk colonic anastomoses in rats

AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of human fibrinogenthrombin collagen patch(TachoSil~?) in the reinforcement of high-risk colon anastomoses.METHODS A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Wistar rats(n = 56) that all underwent high-risk anastomoses(anastomosis with only two sutures) after colectomies. The rats were divided into two randomized groups: Control group(24 rats) and treatment group(24 rats). In the treatment group, high-risk anastomosis was reinforced with TachoSil~? (a piece of Tacho Sil? was applied over this high-risk anastomosis, covering the gap). Leak incidence, overall survival, intra-abdominal adhesions, and histologic healing of anastomoses were analyzed. Survivors were divided into two subgroups and euthanized at 15 and 30 d after intervention in order to analyze the adhesions and histologic changes. RESULTS Overall survival was 71.4% and 57.14% in the TachoSil~? group and control group, respectively(P = 0.29); four rats died from other causes and six rats in the treatment group and 10 in the control group experienced colonic leakage(P 0.05). The intra-abdominal adhesion score was similar in both groups, with no differences between subgroups. We found non-significant differences in the healing process according to the histologic score used in both groups(P = 0.066).CONCLUSION In our study, the use of TachoSil~? was associated with a non-statistically significant reduction in the rate of leakage in high-risk anastomoses. TachoSil~? has been shown to be a safe product because it does not affect the histologic healing process or increase intra-abdominal adhesions.     

Cost-effectiveness of three combinations of antiemetics in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Background. This study compares the cost-effectiveness of threecombinations of antiemetics in the prevention of postoperativenausea and vomiting (PONV). Methods. We conducted a prospective, double-blind study. NinetyASA I–II females, 18–65 yr, undergoing general anaesthesiafor major gynaecological surgery, with standardized postoperativeanalgesia (intrathecal 0.2 mg plus i.v. PCA morphine), wererandomly assigned to receive: ondansetron 4 mg plus droperidol1.25 mg after induction and droperidol 1.25 mg 12 h later (Group1); dexamethasone 8 mg plus droperidol 1.25 mg after inductionand droperidol 1.25 mg 12 h later (Group 2); ondansetron 4 mgplus dexamethasone 8 mg after induction and placebo 12 h later(Group 3). A decision analysis tree was used to divide eachgroup into nine mutually exclusive subgroups, depending on theincidence of PONV, need for rescue therapy, side effects andtheir treatment. Direct cost and probabilities were calculatedfor each subgroup, then a cost-effectiveness analysis was conductedfrom the hospital point of view. Results. Groups 1 and 3 were more effective (80 and 70%) thanGroup 2 (40%, P=0.004) in preventing PONV but also more expensive.Compared with Group 2, the incremental cost per extra patientwithout PONV was €6.99 (95% CI, –1.26 to 36.57) forGroup 1 and €13.55 (95% CI, 0.89–132.90) for Group3. Conclusion. Ondansetron+droperidol is cheaper and at least aseffective as ondansetron+ dexamethasone, and it is more effectivethan dexamethasone+droperidol with a reasonable extra cost. Br J Anaesth 2003; 91: 589–92