Predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery

A common predictive measure of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is the Apfel score. Although tested in many different operations, it has not been tested extensively in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). This study was designed to determine whether it applied to OMFS and whether there were other factors in this population that would improve its accuracy. A retrospective chart review was carried out on a randomly selected group of patients who had OMFS during a 10-month period. In addition to the Apfel score risk factors, PONV data were collected in relation to type of anesthetic induction and maintenance, type of surgery, use of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), use of opioids, and anesthesia and surgery times. One-hundred and sixty-seven patients were included in the analysis; 24% had nausea and 11% had nausea and vomiting. Patients who had orthognathic or temporomandibular joint surgery had the highest rate of PONV. Young age, anesthesia and operation time, and use of MMF were also associated with increased PONV. Adding age, MMF or limited postoperative mouth opening, and surgery type to the Apfel score should make it more predictive in OMFS.