Nausea and Vomiting After Rhinoplasty: Treatment and prevention

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common complications experienced by patients after rhinoplasty. This issue often occurs due to medications administered during surgery. Anesthetic drugs, in particular, are known to have nausea-inducing side effects and are considered the primary cause of this complication. The combination of surgical pain and vomiting can be highly unpleasant and put significant pressure on the surgical site. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken to minimize the occurrence of this issue and reduce its potential impact on the surgical outcome.

Anesthesia: The Primary Factor in Nausea After Rhinoplasty

General anesthesia is a major risk factor for nausea and vomiting after rhinoplasty. If you feel nauseous after the surgery, you can ask your surgeon whether intravenous anesthesia can be used instead of inhaled anesthetics. Inhaled anesthetic drugs are more likely to cause nausea compared to intravenous ones.

Type of Surgery and Nausea After Rhinoplasty

The type of surgery also plays a role in causing nausea and vomiting. Minimally invasive surgeries, surgeries involving the head and face, abdominal procedures, urinary tract surgeries, and surgeries related to the reproductive organs are more likely to cause postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to other types of surgeries.

Individual Factors Contributing to Nausea and Vomiting After Rhinoplasty

Men experience nausea and vomiting less frequently than women after surgery.
Younger individuals are more likely to experience this complication than older patients.
Non-smokers are more prone to nausea and vomiting after rhinoplasty compared to smokers.
Patients who have experienced nausea and vomiting in previous surgeries are at a higher risk of experiencing it again in the future.

Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting After Rhinoplasty

Some patients receive anti-nausea medication before symptoms appear, especially in surgeries where vomiting could lead to serious complications.
Gradual Return to Diet: After surgery, returning to a normal diet should be done step by step.
Additional preventive measures include:
Sucking on ice chips
Drinking clear fluids
Following a full-liquid diet
Transitioning to a soft diet
Resuming a normal diet gradually
Patients with specific conditions (such as diabetes) should follow a diet tailored to their needs.

Medications for Treating Nausea and Vomiting After Rhinoplasty

The following medications are used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting:

Ondansetron (Zofran): Administered intravenously (IV) or as a tablet to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.
Promethazine: Available in IV, oral, suppository, or intramuscular injection forms. One of its side effects is drowsiness.
Metoclopramide (Reglan): Increases bowel movements and prevents nausea caused by anesthesia. Available in tablet or IV form.
Prochlorperazine (Compazine): Used for nausea and vomiting as well as anxiety reduction. Available as an intramuscular injection, IV, tablet, or suppository.

Oral and Injectable Medications for Treating Nausea and Vomiting

Commonly used medications include:

Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
Promethazine
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Scopolamine
Ondansetron (Zofran)

Conclusion

Nausea and vomiting after surgery can be an unpleasant and even dangerous experience. However, by understanding the risk factors, applying preventive methods, and using appropriate medications, this complication can be prevented or minimized. If you are prone to this issue, it is advisable to discuss preventive measures with your doctor before surgery.