Post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing day-case surgery: an international, observational study

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are complications of surgical procedures, and are of particular relevance in the day-case setting. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and impact of PONV before and after discharge from day surgery units. Patients recorded the incidence, severity and impact of PONV for 5 days following surgery. The incidence of PONV in the 561 eligible patients was 17% upon waking, 14% travelling home and 3% by the 5th day post-surgery. PONV was most common in gastrointestinal, obstetric and gynaecological surgery. Although freedom from pain and PONV are requirements for discharge after ambulatory surgery, PONV is still a problem post-discharge.