Prevalence and Associated Factors of Post-operative Nausea and Vomiting

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a surgical complication defined as any nausea, and vomiting with in the first 24-48 hours after surgery in inpatients. Nausea is an unpleasant feeling or desire to vomit without expulsive muscular movement, while vomiting is a forceful expulsion or reflux of the gastric contents through the mouth. Postoperative nausea and vomiting is one of the most common complication associated anesthesia and surgery. It is considered the most common cause of morbidity, and it has significant effects on patient satisfaction. In spite of recent development of anesthesia and surgical techniques, the incidence of PONV remains high. This common anesthetic and surgical side effect has been reported to increase patient dissatisfaction and can be just as distressing to patients as postoperative pain is.