Effect of Esomeprazole and Pantoprazole on Gastric Ph and Volume in Patients Posted for Elective Abdominal Surgeries – a Comparative Clinical Study
Keywords:
Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole, Gastric Ph, Gastric Volume, Aspiration Prophylaxis.Abstract
Background: Pulmonary aspiration during general anaesthesia is influenced by both gastric acidity and residual gastric volume. Proton pump inhibitors may improve these gastric characteristics before surgery.
Objective: To compare the effects of intravenous esomeprazole and pantoprazole on gastric pH and aspirate volume in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.
Methods: This prospective randomized comparative study included 60 ASA I–II adults, allocated equally to intravenous pantoprazole 40 mg or esomeprazole 40 mg administered 30 minutes before induction. Gastric aspirate pH and volume were measured after intubation and before extubation.
Results: Gastric volume decreased in both groups, with no significant between-group difference post-intubation (12.00 ± 3.23 vs 10.88 ± 3.75 mL; p=0.220) or pre-extubation (8.93 ± 3.03 vs 8.35 ± 3.92 mL; p=0.524). Gastric pH increased in both groups. Pre-extubation pH was significantly higher with esomeprazole than pantoprazole (6.05 ± 0.86 vs 5.27 ± 1.17; p=0.005). No drug-related adverse reactions were observed.
Conclusion: Esomeprazole provided greater perioperative acid suppression than pantoprazole, while both produced comparable effects on gastric aspirate volume.
