European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common and distressing complications following surgical procedures. The type of anaesthesia plays a crucial role in the incidence and severity of PONV. This study aims to compare the incidence, severity, and duration of PONV among patients undergoing surgery with general, regional, or local anaesthesia. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed 100 patients who underwent various surgical procedures. The patients were categorized based on the type of anaesthesia received: general anaesthesia (n=40), regional anaesthesia (n=30), and local anaesthesia (n=30). We assessed the incidence, severity (mild, moderate, severe), and duration of PONV postoperatively. Results: The incidence of PONV was highest in patients receiving general anaesthesia (62.5%), followed by regional (33.3%) and local anaesthesia (16.7%). The severity of PONV also varied, with general anaesthesia patients experiencing more severe symptoms. The average duration of PONV was longest in the general anaesthesia group (4 hours), compared to regional (2 hours) and local anaesthesia (1 hour). Additional findings indicated that PONV was more prevalent in females and those with a history of motion sickness. Also, longer surgical procedures were associated with a higher incidence of PONV. Conclusion: The study highlights significant differences in the incidence, severity, and duration of PONV among various types of anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is associated with a higher risk and severity of PONV compared to regional and local anaesthesia. These findings underscore the importance of individualized anaesthesia planning and proactive PONV management, particularly in high-risk groups.