Risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting after sleeve gastrectomy and the impact of intraoperative ondansetron: a retrospective cohort study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remain common adverse postoperative events after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) that may negatively affect patient recovery. AimThe aim of this study was to identify risk factors for PONV after SG and to evaluate the impact of intraoperative ondansetron administration on both the occurrence and severity of PONV. Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent primary SG between 2024 and 2025 in a single bariatric center.Because PONV episodes were not recorded directly, symptoms were assessed indirectly based on antiemetic consumption.Any PONV was defined as administration of at least 8 mg of ondansetron within 24 hours after surgery, whereas severe PONV was defined as a requirement for ≥16 mg of ondansetron with or without additional antiemetic agents. Results463 patients were included.Any PONV occurred in 195 patients (42.1%) while severe PONV was observed in 57 patients (12.3%).Male sex (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.22-0.61;P <0.001), older age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99;P = 0.01), higher BMI (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-1.00;P = 0.03), hypertension (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33-0.83;P = 0.006) and intraoperative ondansetron administration (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24-0.58;P < 0.001) were independently associated with a lower risk of any PONV.Male sex remained an independent protective factor against severe PONV (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03-0.48;P = 0.003). ConclusionsIntraoperative ondansetron administration was associated with a lower risk of PONV after SG.Male sex was the only independent protective factor against severe PONV, while ondansetron showed no significant effect on severe symptoms.
Institution: University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,480
OpenAlex ID: W7204558244