Therapeutic Modalities for the Prophylactic Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

The occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains one of the most common complications after general anesthesia. The causes of PONV are multimodal, involving several physiologic pathways that stimulate the vomiting center, including the chemoreceptor trigger zone, the gastrointestinal tract, the vestibular system, the cerebral cortex, and the midbrain. Significant research has been published focusing on the use of different pharmacologic agents and varying anesthetic techniques to prevent and manage PONV. The addition of therapeutic modalities to the arsenal of prophylactic management techniques may decrease patient incidence of PONV by directing treatment to various pathways that stimulate the vomiting center. The purpose of this article is to review briefly the literature and discuss three therapeutic modalities for preventing PONV: perioperative oxygen administration, perioperative intravenous fluid administration, and differing fasting protocols.