Incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting

Abstract

Background: Postoperative nausea and
vomiting (PONV) is a common minor complication
after operation and causes patient’s dissatisfaction.
The incidence of PONV varies from 5 to 40%.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to
determine the incidence, severity and risk factors
of PONV. Methods: The study was conducted
fromelectronic data recorded at department of
Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.
Data were retrieved form patients >18 years, ASA
physical status 1-3, operation time more than 30
minutes and were visited within 24 hours
postoperatively. Studied factor included age,
BMI, gender, smoking status, ASA physical status,
previous PONV or motion sickness, type of
surgery, type of anesthesia, the use of nitrous oxide,
intrathecal morphine and the use of prophylaxis
drugs. Odd ratios and multiple logistic regression
analysis were used for final analysis. Results:
Incidence of PONV was 17.7%. Female, major
surgery, orthopedics operation, general surgery,
and 1- hour increment in duration of surgery were
correlated with the incidence of PONV (p<0.001).
Ondansetron and dexamethasone were suggested
as protective factor of PONV. Conclusions:
Incidence of PONV in Siriraj Hospital is high.
Guideline for prevention of PONV should be
developed such as the systematic use of ondansetron
and dexamethasone at least in patients with
intrathecal morphine.