Postoperative nausea and vomiting in neurosurgical patients: Current concepts and management

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a significant complication for neurosurgical patients. PONV affects patient satisfaction, prolongs hospital stay, and increases the economic burden and morbidity. In addition to these problems, there are certain consequences of PONV specific to the craniotomy, including increased intracranial pressure and increased risk of tumor bed hematoma formation. Expert panels have suggested that, if the consequences of PONV are deleterious to the patients, then prophylaxis should be instituted. This article describes the pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, and management of PONV in neurosurgery patients as per the recent guidelines.