What are the potential adverse consequences of PONV?

  • Leads to patient dissatisfaction with anaesthesia (most common cause)
  • 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