Nausea and Vomiting After Anesthesia

"I am not afraid of the operation itself, but will I feel sick after the anesthetic?"

This is one of the questions anesthesiologists hear most often.

Nausea and vomiting after surgery really are among the side effects patients find most unpleasant. Fortunately there are now effective ways of reducing the risk.

Why does nausea occur?

There is no single cause. Several factors can play a part together:

• The anesthetic drugs used
• Strong painkillers
• The type of operation
• Individual susceptibility
• A history of motion sickness
• Female sex
• Being a non-smoker

Some people naturally carry a higher risk.

After which operations is it more common?

Nausea after anesthesia can be more frequent after:

• Obstetric and gynaecological operations
• Ear, nose and throat operations
• Laparoscopic operations
• Eye operations

Can it be prevented?

Yes. In patients at risk, preventive anti-nausea medication is now given during the operation. The aim is to act before nausea appears.

Does it last?

No. Most patients feel better within the first few hours. It rarely lasts longer.