Incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting

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.