What specific modern anesthetic techniques and medications are used to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries?
To reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries, several modern anesthetic techniques and medications are employed:
Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA): This technique uses intravenous agents like propofol and remifentanil, which are associated with a lower incidence of PONV compared to inhalational anesthetics. TIVA is often preferred for patients at high risk of PONV.
Multimodal Antiemetic Prophylaxis: A combination of different classes of antiemetic drugs is used to target various pathways involved in nausea and vomiting. Common combinations include:
Optimized Anesthetic Protocols: Adjusting the timing and dosing of anesthetic agents, such as administering midazolam at specific times during the procedure, can also help reduce PONV.
These strategies are part of a comprehensive approach to minimize PONV, tailored to the individual patient's risk factors and the specific surgical procedure being performed.