Effects of Midazolam on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting and Discharge Times in Outpatients Undergoing Cancer-Related Surgery.

Midazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine used for preoperative anxiolysis, may also have pharmacologic properties that could further reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in high-risk patients when included in a multimodal antiemetic protocol. However, concerns remain that the sedating properties of midazolam will delay discharge after short outpatient procedures. A retrospective data analysis (N = 4,057) investigated effects of midazolam on postoperative antiemetic administration and length of stay following cancer-related outpatient procedures over 15 months.