Algorithm for postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults

Introduction: The aim is to establish recommendations on prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in a General Hospital. Method: A bibliographic research was performed through the main databases. Limiting with MesH terms, adult population. Results: Risk stratification Apfel model is one of the easiest to employ. Ondansetron, droperidol and dexamethasone have shown their efficacy in prophylaxis and treatment of PONV. In prophylaxis, it is recommended ondansetron 4 mg at the end of the surgery, dexamethasone 4 mg before anesthetic induction and droperidol 0.625-1.25 mg at the end of the surgery. Multimodal prophylaxis is recommended for moderate-high risk patients. For rescue treatment it should be employed a different drug from the used in prophylaxis. Discussion: The establishment of protocols for PONV could reduce incidents of associated patient complications, medical variability and related costs