Intra-operative fluid volume influences postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is a commonly performed operation for morbid obesity. A significant number of patients experience postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following this procedure. The aim of this study was to determine the effect, if any, of intra-operative fluid replacement on PONV.

Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopic (RYGBP) for morbid obesity during a 12-month period were included in this retrospective analysis. Demographic data including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Perioperative data also included total volume of intra-operative fluids administered, rate of administration, urine output, length of surgery, and incidence of PONV as determined by nursing or anesthesia records in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Data were analyzed by t-test.

Results: The table below depicts demographic and perioperative data, comparing patients who experienced PONV (n=125) in the PACU with those who did not (n=55). Values are mean +/- standard deviation.

Conclusions: PONV is a common complication after laparoscopic RYGB. Patient who did not experience PONV received a larger volume of intravenous fluid at a faster rate than similar patients who complained of PONV.