Reduction of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting through Patient Risk Stratification

Abstract

Objective: To develop a patient risk stratification algorithm that will reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in an ambulatory plastic surgery practice by increasing the use of prophylactic medications as the risk of PONV increases. Design: Retrospective review of an ambulatory plastic surgery practice before and after a PONV patient risk stratification algorithm was introduced. A patient risk stratification algorithm was developed based on known causes of PONV. Incidence of patients experiencing PONV before and after the introduction of the patient risk stratification algorithm was compared. Results of the study were analyzed with logistic regression. Results: The rate of PONV was 17.7% before the patient risk stratification algorithm was instituted and 4.47% after. This difference is significant (one-sided P value against no difference in true incidence of PONV = .003). A history of PONV and longer lengths of anesthesia were associated with higher likelihoods of PONV (P = .02 and .0056, respectively), and application of our patient algorithm (ie, membership in the study group as opposed to the control group) was associated with a lower likelihood of PONV (P < .001). Conclusion: Patient risk stratification and a multimodality approach to PONV prophylaxis effectively reduce the rate of PONV in an ambulatory plastic surgery practice.