Abstract

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common complications following general anesthesia, impacting patient recovery and satisfaction. Despite advancements in perioperative care, PONV remains a significant concern due to its adverse effects. This study aims to investigate PONV incidence and risk factors among patients undergoing general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital. Participants included 100 adults undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, including demographic, surgical, anesthetic variables, and PONV occurrence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were employed for data analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 45.7 years, with 60% females. Orthopedic surgeries were most common (30%), with a mean surgery duration of 2.5 hours. Sevoflurane was the primary volatile agent (60%), with 80% receiving opioids and 70% antiemetics during anesthesia. The incidence of PONV within 24 hours postoperatively was 35%. Conclusion: This study provides insights into PONV incidence and risk factors, highlighting the importance of individualized perioperative care to minimize PONV and improve patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and develop standardized management guidelines.

Description

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent and distressing complications following general anesthesia, affecting patients across various surgical specialties. Despite advancements in anesthesia and perioperative care, PONV remains a significant concern due to its potential to delay recovery, increase hospital stay, and decrease patient satisfaction.[1,2] Understanding the incidence and associated risk factors of PONV is crucial for optimizing perioperative management strategies and improving patient outcomes. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aims to investigate the incidence of PONV and identify potential risk factors among patients undergoing general anesthesia. PONV poses considerable challenges in the perioperative period, affecting approximately 20% to 30% of surgical patients and up to 70% of high-risk individuals. This not only leads to patient discomfort but also increases the risk of complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and aspiration pneumonia.[3,4] Furthermore, PONV can result in delayed recovery, prolonged hospitalization, and increased healthcare costs. Despite the availability of various antiemetic agents and advancements in anesthesia techniques, the incidence of PONV remains significant. Additionally, the risk factors contributing to PONV are multifactorial and may include patient-related factors (e.g., age, gender, history of motion sickness), surgical factors (e.g., type and duration of surgery), and anesthetic factors (e.g., type of anesthetic agents, opioid use).[5,6] While previous studies have explored the incidence and risk factors associated with PONV, there is a need for further investigation, particularly in the context of a diverse patient population undergoing general anesthesia. A cross-sectional study design offers an efficient and practical approach to assess the prevalence of PONV and identify potential risk factors within a defined period. By conducting this study, we aim to provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of PONV and contribute to the development of targeted prevention and management strategies. Ultimately, our findings may help improve patient satisfaction, enhance perioperative care practices, and reduce the burden of PONV on healthcare resources.