A challenging problem that concerns the aesthetic surgeon: postoperative nausea and vomiting

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are among the most common adverse events in the postoperative period. This is especially disastrous in aesthetic surgery; it may cause hematoma, wound dehiscence, and patient dissatisfaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of PONV after aesthetic surgery procedures, and to determine the risk factors for PONV. Two hundred and twelve patients undergoing the most common aesthetic surgical procedures were included into this study. Female gender, surgical site, and history of PONV were found to be significant risk factors, however, postoperative opiate use and history of motion sickness were not found to be significant risk factors for PONV. Those undergoing trunk surgery procedures appeared to be at higher risk than were those undergoing head and neck surgery procedures. Also, ondansetron was found to be more affective than metoclopramide. Risk factors for PONV must be questioned preoperatively. Patients with risk factors are good candidates for prophylaxis. As a result of the effective prevention of PONV, postoperative patient comfort and satisfaction should be more improved.