Minimisation of Blood Pressure Variability and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Intraoperative hypotension is associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Even though the exact mechanism linking PONV and hypotension is still unclear, a reduced intestinal tissue perfusion might trigger nausea and vomiting. Still to date only limited data evaluating intraoperative blood pressure and the incidence of PONV after general anesthesia exits. Furthermore, the effect of intraoperative blood pressure variability on the incidence of PONV has not been investigated yet. Therefore, we will test our primary hypothesis that the incidence of PONV during the early (0-2h) postoperative period will be minimized by targeting intraoperative blood pressure variability to a SPB of 120±5mmHg by using a continuous vasopressor infusion in female patients undergoing elective minor to moderate risk non-cardiac surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:Women 18-50 years of age at time of surgeryASA physical status I and IIScheduled for elective minor or moderate risk non-cardiac surgery with expected time of surgery ≥1 hourExclusion Criteria:Patients undergoing emergency surgeryScheduled for pheochromocytoma surgeryNausea and/or vomiting on the morning before surgeryTaking anti-emetic drugsPregnancyDysfunction of the vestibular system