INCIDENCE OF POSTOPERATIVE NAUSEA AND VOMITING FOLLOWING SPINAL ANESTHESIA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE UROLOGICAL SURGERY

Abstract

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common and distressing complication following anesthesia and surgery, significantly affecting patient comfort, recovery, and overall satisfaction. Although spinal anesthesia is widely used in elective urological surgeries due to its safety and effectiveness, PONV remains a notable concern even in the absence of general anaesthesia.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of PONV and assess associated risk factors in patients undergoing elective urological surgery under spinal aesthesia.

Materials and methods:  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD), Peshawar, over 4–6 months. A total of 165 patients (ASA I–II) were included using convenient sampling. Data were collected via questionnaire, and patients were observed for 24 hours postoperatively

Results:  The mean age of participants was 40.7 ± 14.4 years. Among the patients, 38.2% experienced nausea, with most cases being mild (59.4%). Vomiting was reported in 50.3% of patients, with the majority experiencing 2–3 episodes. Most vomiting episodes occurred within the first 2 hours postoperatively. Additionally, 50.9% of patients required rescue antiemetic therapy. These findings indicate that PONV remains a frequent complication even under spinal anesthesia.

Conclusion: PONV is a frequent early postoperative complication after spinal anesthesia in urological surgery. Proper risk assessment and timely management are essential to improve patient outcomes.