1Post Graduate, Department of Anaesthesiology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, MAHER University, Kanchipuram.
2Professor and Head, Department of Anaesthesiology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, MAHER University, Kanchipuram.
3Senior Resident, Department of Anaesthesiology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, MAHER University, Kanchipuram.
4Post Graduate, Department of Anaesthesiology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, MAHER University, Kanchipuram.
Contact details: itsmejabir@gmail.com
Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are among the most common and distressing complications experienced by patients following surgery under general anaesthesia. PONV can delay recovery, prolong hospital stay, and negatively affect patient satisfaction. Several patient-related, surgical, and anesthetic factors may influence the occurrence of PONV.
Aim: To study the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing surgical procedures under general anaesthesia.
Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesia at a tertiary care teaching hospital attached to Meenakshi Medical College, Kanchipuram. A total of 75 patients undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia were included in the study. Patients were monitored for the occurrence of nausea, vomiting, or both during the first 24 hours postoperatively. Demographic characteristics, duration of anaesthesia, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate statistical tests, and a p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The overall incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was 36%. Nausea alone occurred in 16% of patients, vomiting alone in 8%, and both nausea and vomiting in 12%. PONV was more common in female patients (43.9%) compared with male patients (26.5%) (p = 0.041). Patients with anaesthesia duration greater than 120 minutes showed the highest incidence of PONV (57.1%), and the association between anaesthesia duration and PONV was statistically significant (p = 0.018).
Conclusion: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are relatively common following surgery under general anaesthesia, particularly in female patients and in cases with prolonged anaesthesia duration. Early identification of high risk patients and appropriate preventive strategies may help reduce the incidence of PONV.
Keywords: Postoperative nausea and vomiting, general anaesthesia, postoperative complications, perioperative risk factors, recovery outcomes.
How to cite this article: Jabir, Thirumaaran UG, Pavithran, Murali G. Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Following General Anaesthesia. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(12s): 460-464. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.12s.56
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None