Impact of Intraoperative End-Tidal CO₂ Variations on Postoperative Nausea, Vomiting, and Pain

Aim: Patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures tend to experience a higher frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study aimed explore the influence of intraoperative end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) levels on the occurrence of PONV in robotic surgery. Methods: This observational clinical study included patients undergoing robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Patients were divided into two groups based on intraoperative ETCO₂ levels: Group 1 (26–35 mmHg) and Group 2 (36–45 mmHg). The incidence of PONV, the use of rescue antiemetics, and pain scores were recorded at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Results: We found that Group 1 exhibited lower Apfel scores at both 0 (p < 0.001) and 2 (p = 0.046) hours post-surgery. Furthermore, Group 2 had a higher incidence of PONV and greater usage of rescue antiemetics within the first 24 hours following surgery. (p