The Incidence and Risk Factors for Postoperative Nausea, Vomiting, and New-Onset Hypertension After Elective Caesarean Section

Abstract

 Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects of anaesthesia after an operation. Patients who are at higher risk are usually young female non-smokers who have a history of motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

 Aim: To calculate the incidence and risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients after elective caesarean section and to calculate the incidence of postpartum hypertension.

 Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. The cohort consisted of 51 obstetric patients who were split into Group 1 (47 patients under spinal anaesthesia) and Group 2 (4 patients under general anaesthesia). Spearman’s correlation test and binary logistic regression were used to determine the correlation of postoperative nausea and vomiting with other risk factors.

 Results: The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was 19.61%. There was no significant statistical correlation between the Apfel score and postoperative nausea and vomiting when opioid use was considered in the first 24 h. However, there was a significant statistical correlation when the first 12 h were considered. Binary logistic regression showed no significant statistical correlation between the risk factors: kinetosis, smoking, and use of opioids. The incidence of new-onset postpartum hypertension after caesarean section was 9.8%.

 Conclusion: Postoperative nausea and vomiting can lead to different complications and lower the quality of life in the postoperative period. Prevention is crucial, as are appropriate assessment and patient monitoring for postoperative patient progress.