Incidence and factors associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting among elective adult surgical patients at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundPostoperative nausea and vomiting is a common complication of anaesthesia and surgery. It is considered the most common cause of morbidity following anaesthesia and has significant effects on patient satisfaction and cost. Despite modern anaesthetic and surgical techniques, the incidence of PONV remains high. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and associated factors. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to May 30, 2019. A total of 355 adult elective patients who were operated on this period were included in the study. ResultsThe incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was 17.2% within 24 h after operation. Factors that were associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting were history of motion sickness (AOR = 6.0, CI = 2.51–14.49), previous history of postoperative nausea and vomiting (AOR = 13.55, CI = 6.37–28.81) and long duration of surgery (AOR = 10.1, CI = 3.97–25.92). Conclusionand recommendations: The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was still high compared with most studies conducted in the world. However, when it compared to the previous study done in the study area, it showed significant reduction in the incidence of PONV by 19%.We suggest that the use of anti-emetic prophylaxis and the introduction of postoperative nausea and vomiting treatment protocols.