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Libri Oncologici : Croatian Journal of Oncology, Vol. 38 No. 1-3, 2010.

Original scientific paper

The efficacy of routine use of prevention protocol for postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer

Ljilja Štefančić ; Department of Anesthesiology and ICU, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Stela Marić ; Department of Anesthesiology and ICU, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Srećko Ljubičić ; Department of Anesthesiology and ICU, Dubrovnik General Hospital, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Zvonimir Zore ; Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia

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Abstract

The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) exceeds 30% in patients undergoing surgery that involves general anesthesia. For its high incidence, PONV, together with postoperative pain, are amongst the most common complications following surgery under general anesthesia, resulting in increased costs of treatment, prolonged recovery and hospital stay following surgery. The occurrence of PONV is an unpleasant experience for patients, which can be additionally complicated by aspiration of gastric contents and the development of aspiration pneumonia, increased wound dehiscence which may significantly delay and render postoperative course and recovery more difficult.
In accordance with the recommended guidelines for the prevention and management of PONV, our Hospital has developed a local protocol aimed at reducing PONV and all adverse effects that can be caused by PONV. The protocol also includes therapeutic procedures in case of PONV.
The aim of this study was to assess the expected incidence of PONV using the Apfel scoring system, and the efficacy of the protocol against PONV by recording the frequency of PONV during the first 24 hours following surgery for breast cancer.
A prospective study was performed in 164 patients operated for breast cancer. Each patient was assessed for the expected incidence of PONV provided by the Apfel score and then underwent prophylaxis and therapy in accordance with the protocol. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was recorded during 24 hours postoperatively.

Keywords

postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV); protocol; Apfel score

Hrčak ID:

278637

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/278637

Publication date:

21.10.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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