The analysis was based on intention to treat. The main health outcome considered was the recovery time. Patients were discharged from phase I (immediate post-anaesthesia care unit) to phase II (where patients were allowed to eat, drink and ambulate) when they were haemodynamically stable, alert and oriented. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, ASA status, BMI, duration of anaesthesia and frequency of intubation. Side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, were also considered.