Which anesthesia technique is associated with higher risks of post-operative nausea?

General anesthesia is associated with higher risks of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) due to several factors. This technique involves the administration of anesthetic agents that affect the central nervous system, leading to a complete loss of consciousness and sensation throughout the body. The use of specific volatile anesthetics and narcotics, as well as the physiological effects of general anesthesia on the gastrointestinal system, can trigger nausea.

Various mechanisms contribute to PONV, including the stimulation of the vestibular system and the release of certain neuropeptides that can cause gastrointestinal distress. Patients who receive general anesthesia often have a higher incidence of nausea because of these impacts, alongside potential influences from the surgical procedure itself, opioid use during or after surgery, and patient-specific risk factors such as history of motion sickness or previous experiences of nausea.

In contrast, local anesthesia typically numbs a specific area, regional anesthesia blocks sensation in a larger region of the body but still maintains consciousness, and monitored anesthesia care involves sedation that does not lead to a complete loss of consciousness, all of which are linked to lower risks of PONV compared to general anesthesia. Understanding these differences is crucial for managing post-operative care effectively.