PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF POSTOPERATIVE NAUSEA AND VOMITING WITHIN 24 HOURS OF ELECTIVE SURGERIES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN DEHRADUN

Abstract

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains one of the most common and distressing complications following surgical procedures, significantly impacting patient satisfaction and recovery outcomes. Despite advances in anesthesia and surgical techniques, PONV continues to affect a substantial proportion of patients undergoing elective surgeries in Indian healthcare settings.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of PONV within 24 hours post-surgery and identify significant predictors among patients undergoing elective surgeries at a tertiary teaching hospital in Dehradun, India.

Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to July 2020 among 384 patients aged 18-65 years undergoing elective surgeries. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, clinical assessments, and 24-hour post-operative monitoring. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression.

Results: The overall prevalence of PONV was 42.7% (164/384 patients). Female gender (OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.45-3.78), history of motion sickness (OR=3.12, 95% CI: 1.89-5.16), duration of surgery >120 minutes (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.23-2.84), and use of volatile anesthetics (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.56-3.85) emerged as significant independent predictors.

Conclusion: PONV prevalence in our setting aligns with global estimates but requires targeted prevention strategies considering identified risk factors, particularly focusing on high-risk patient populations in the Dehradun healthcare context.