[Postoperative adverse effects in gynaecological and breast surgeries]

To analyze the occurrence of adverse effects in the first 24-hour postoperative/postanesthetic period in women undergoing minor gynecologic or minor breast surgeries and to identify main associated factors.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 159 women who underwent minor gynecologic or breast surgeries. The women were admitted to the hospital one day before surgery and remained hospitalized for at least 24 hours after surgery. The anesthetic techniques performed were intercostal nerve blockade, spinal anesthesia, and general anesthesia.

The most frequent adverse effects were vomiting, nausea and pain that occurred in 40.3% of women. Of these effects, 60% were observed in the first four hours and 80% were observed in up to six hours after surgical intervention. Women submitted to intercostal blockade received earlier postanesthetic release. Spinal anesthesia was most frequently associated with postoperative pain, although with a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting when compared to general anesthesia and intercostal blockade. The incidence of pain was higher in women who smoked.

A six-hour period of postoperative observation appeared to be adequate for assessment of most complications and adverse effects occurring in women who undergo minor gynecologic or minor breast surgeries.