Assessment of the Effect of Granisetron on the Gastric Cross-Sectional Area By Ultrasound on Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section: A Randomized Double-Blind Study

Background: Gastric ultrasound is considered a valuable tool for the assessment of gastric volume preoperatively. Materials and Methods: The goal of this study was to assess the effect of granisetron on the gastric cross-sectional area by ultrasound estimation of its cross-sectional area for elective Cesarean Section. Sixty patients were assigned randomly into one of 2 groups; Granisetron group (n=30): received 1 mg granisetron diluted in 10 mL normal saline 0.9%. Control (n=30): received 10 mL of normal saline 0.9%. Cross-sectional area and volume of stomach contents were measured using ultrasound immediately before administration of the study drug and one hour later. Results: No statistical difference was detected in post-treatment antral CSA nor gastric residual volume between the two groups (4.8?1.4 vs 4.6?2.1, P: 0.8) and (50?19 vs 57?27, P: 0.3) for antral CSA and gastric volume comparison between both groups. However, a significant statistical difference was found in antral CSA pre and post-granisetron administration (4.8?1.4 vs 4 ?1.2; P<0.001). The Granesitron group had a statistically significantly lower rate of nausea and vomiting than the control group. Conclusion: Based on ultrasonographic measurement granesitron could effectively reduce the gastric cross-sectional area when administered preoperatively to parturients undergoing elective CS.