Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: An Overview

Abstract

Despite new technology and pharmacological agents, postoperative nausea and vomiting continues to have a 20% to 30% occurrence rate. New antiemetic drugs and improved anesthetic techniques have decreased the incidence of anesthesia-induced postoperative nausea and vomiting. Patient characteristics and surgical factors are now largely responsible for postoperative emesis. Postoperative nausea and vomiting can lead to serious complications such as aspiration, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and disruption of the incision site. Postoperative nausea and vomiting leads to increased direct and indirect costs and may be associated with patients' dissatisfaction with the surgical experience. Nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatments, including new antiemetic drugs, have decreased the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, clinical trials are needed to determine the most suitable treatments for the most common causes of postoperative nausea and vomiting.