Evaluation of the Incidence and Risk Factors of Nausea and Postoperative Vomiting in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeries

The persistence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)episodes can cause further complications to the patient, such as: dehiscence of the surgical wound, dehydration, esophageal rupture, hematoma, hemorrhage, and may even lead to death. Considering its high incidence in surgical procedures of the face and oral cavity, the present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of PONV episodes in oral and maxillofacial surgeries under general anesthesia as well as to identify the main risk factors associated with these episodes. This analytical, observational, retrospective studywas based on the documentary analysis of 200 medical records of patients who underwentoral and maxillofacial surgery at the Walter Cantídio University Hospital of the Federal University of Ceará. Data on patient profile and surgical procedures were collected. PONV episodes were reportedin 9% of cases, with 100% occurring in the first 12 postoperative hours. Non-smoking patients, who underwent surgery viaintraoral access lasting 3 hoursor longer and with greater blood loss were more likely to experience PONV episodes. The identification of patients at greater riskas well as the understanding of the impact that certainsurgical procedures have on the occurrence of PONV are fundamental to plan and establish strategies to control PONV episodes.