Predictors of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Paediatric Patients Undergoing General Anaesthesia

Abstract

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication following general anaesthesia in children and may contribute to discomfort, delayed oral intake and prolonged recovery. Identifying associated risk factors can support appropriate perioperative risk assessment and preventive strategies. Aim: To determine the incidence of PONV and identify patient-related, surgical and anaesthesia-related predictors among paediatric patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Methods: A prospective observational study will be conducted in a private medical college hospital among children aged 1–12 years undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Eligible patients will be recruited consecutively after obtaining parental or guardian consent. Demographic characteristics, previous PONV, history of motion sickness, type and duration of surgery, anaesthetic agents, perioperative opioid use and prophylactic antiemetic administration will be recorded. Patients will be assessed for nausea and vomiting during the first 24 postoperative hours. Descriptive statistics, appropriate association tests and multivariable logistic regression will be used to evaluate potential predictors. Results: In the preliminary results framework, 60 of 200 patients (30%) experienced PONV. Previous PONV, longer surgical duration and motion sickness were associated with higher observed proportions of PONV. The final results and independent predictors must be established using verified patient-level data and statistical analysis. Conclusion: PONV is an important outcome to assess in paediatric anaesthesia. Systematic preoperative risk assessment and appropriate postoperative monitoring may help identify children requiring targeted preventive measures. Confirmed identification of independent predictors may support improved perioperative management.