Postoperative nausea and vomiting after emergent abdominal surgery in trauma patients in Korea: a multicenter retrospective observational study

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after emergency abdominal surgery in trauma patients.Methods: This retrospective observational study included trauma patients who underwent emergency abdominal surgery at two trauma centers between January 2024 and May 2025. Medical records were reviewed according to the occurrence of PONV.Results: A total of 114 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 35 patients (30.7%) developed PONV. Patients with a history of PONV had a higher incidence of PONV than those without such a history (80% vs. 28.4%; P=0.030). The lymphocyte percentage was lower in the PONV group (27.8% vs. 20.0%; P=0.023). In binary logistic regression analysis, previous PONV (B=2.469, P=0.033; odds ratio [OR], 11.807; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.224–113.897) and lymphocyte percentage (B=−0.034, P=0.021; OR, 0.967; 95% CI, 0.939–0.995) were significant risk factors. PONV severity was also associated with a higher segmented neutrophil percentage, a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and a lower lymphocyte percentage.Conclusion: The incidence of PONV was 30.7%. Previous PONV and a lower lymphocyte percentage were identified as risk factors for PONV after emergency abdominal surgery in trauma patients. Further studies are needed to develop strategies for reducing PONV in this population.