What are the complications of vomiting relevant to anaesthesia and intensive care?

  • Simple vomiting rarely leads to medical complications
  • Commonly leads to patient dissatisfaction following surgery
  • However, severe cases can lead to:
    • Increased length of hospital stay / delayed discharge
    • Aspiration pneumonia
    • Dehydration
    • Metabolic alkalosis
    • Electrolyte imbalance
    • Increased bleeding
    • Suture dehiscence
    • Incisional hernias
    • Oesophageal rupture