A survey of the incidence of postoperative vomiting in 1476 children was conducted over a two-month period as part of our quality assurance programme. The incidence of vomiting was 24%, and was highest in children over three years of age and in those receiving opioids. The incidence is lower than that recorded in an earlier (1981) survey in our hospital. Changes in anaesthetic practices may have contributed to this decrease.
WatchaM.F., SimeonR.M., WhiteP.F., StevensJ.L.Effect of propofol on the incidence of postoperative vomiting after strabismus surgery in pediatric outpatients. Anesthesiology1991; 75: 204–9.
6.
LermanJ.Surgical and patient factors involved in postoperative nausea and vomiting. Br J Anaesth1992; 69 (Supp I): 24S–32S.
7.
RabeyP.G., SmithG.Anaesthetic factors contributing to postoperative nausea and vomiting. Br J Anaesth1992; 69 (Supp I): 40S–45S.
8.
Van der WaltJ.H., JacobR., MurrellD., BentleyM.The perioperative effects of oral premedication in children. Anaesth Intens Care1990; 18: 5–10.
9.
ParnisS.J., FoateJ.A., Van der WaltJ.H., ShortT., CroweC.E.Oral midazolam is an effective premedication for children having day-stay anaesthesia. Anaesth Intens Care1992; 20: 9–14.
10.
RussellD., KennyG.N.C.5-HT3 antagonists in postoperative nausea and vomiting. Br J Anaesth1992; 69 (Suppl I): 63S–68S.
