Postoperative nausea and vomiting: understanding the enigma.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains one of the most common complications related to surgery and anesthesia. Referred to as the "big little problem," PONV complications range from minor patient discomfort to gastric aspiration or death. There are multiple contributing factors that stimulate the vomiting reflex in PONV; yet, no single component is typically the causative factor. It usually is a variety of factors that trigger this response. Because the causes of PONV are multifactorial, no single antiemetic medication has been 100% effective for its prevention. A thorough understanding of these factors and the pharmacology related to PONV is essential for the effective management of this common postoperative complication.
Nelson
Todd P
TP
Department of Anesthesia, Veterans Administration DD, 1 Freedom Way, Augusta, GA 30904-6285, USA.
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000009:adverse effects; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000932:Antiemetics