Which type of anesthesia is associated with an increased risk of post-operative nausea and vomiting?

General anesthesia is associated with an increased risk of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) due to several factors. The medications used during general anesthesia, which may include volatile anesthetics and opioids, can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and stimulate the vomiting center in the brain. Additionally, general anesthesia often results in a longer duration of procedure time and increased use of narcotic pain relief, both of which can contribute to PONV.

Patients receiving general anesthesia are often completely unconscious and may have an endotracheal tube placed, further complicating the recovery process and increasing the likelihood of nausea and vomiting upon awakening. Compared to local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and intravenous sedation, general anesthesia has a higher risk profile for these post-operative complications, making it essential for healthcare providers to assess patients for susceptibility to PONV and implement appropriate prophylactic strategies when necessary.