Anesth Prog 57(4): 150-157

Nausea, Vomiting, and Hiccups: A Review of Mechanisms and Treatment

Associate Director of Education, General Dental Practice Residency, Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio

Address correspondence to Dr Daniel E. Becker at gro.hvm@rekcebed.

Associate Director of Education, General Dental Practice Residency, Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio

Abstract

Nausea, vomiting, and hiccups are troubling complications associated with sedation and general anesthesia. This article will review the basic pathophysiology of these events and current recommendations for their prevention and management.

Keywords: Nausea, Vomiting, PONV, Hiccups, Anesthetic complications, Antiemetics

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting is one of the most common postoperative complaints from patients following general anesthesia, second only to pain. Its occurrence is miserable for the patient and both troubling and perplexing to the provider. It is not surprising that a staggering number of publications have been dedicated to the prevention and management of this complication. Unfortunately, its pathophysiology is incompletely understood, and the many contributing factors have rendered the majority of these publications inconclusive. In many cases, this has spawned misconceptions and anecdotes that are not scientifically grounded. This continuing education article summarizes current thinking and guidelines on the subject and also addresses the issue of hiccups, a less frequent but nevertheless troubling complication.

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