“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common side effect of anesthesia and surgery. It can occur due to various factors such as the type and duration of surgery, the type and dose of anesthesia used, patient factors such as age and medical history, and medication side effects.
PONV can cause discomfort, delay recovery and discharge, and in some cases, can lead to dehydration or aspiration. It is important for healthcare providers to identify patients at high risk for PONV and take steps to prevent and manage it.
Preventive measures for PONV include the use of antiemetic medications before and after surgery, avoiding fasting for prolonged periods of time, maintaining hydration, and reducing opioid use when possible. Treatment for PONV typically involves the use of antiemetic medications such as ondansetron or droperidol, and in some cases, intravenous hydration or repositioning of the patient may be necessary.
Patients should communicate any symptoms of nausea or vomiting to their healthcare providers, and follow any instructions or medications provided for prevention or treatment of PONV.