Droperidol Administered for the Purpose of Treating Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Caused Significant Respiratory Depression

A patient who complained of severe nausea after general anesthesia was treated with droperidol, resulting in respiratory depression.When general anesthesia was introduced, there was no problem with mask ventilation and tracheal intubation, but after respiratory arrest, mask ventilation and tracheal intubation were difficult, and SpO₂ decreased to 17％. Tracheal intubation was possible using McGRATH. There were no neurological sequelae.Postoperative nausea and vomiting（PONV）is a very unpleasant complication for patients and its prevention is important. Droperidol is a drug that can be used in Japan and is useful for both prevention and treatment of PONV. From this experience, however, we realized that significant respiratory depression may occur after administration of droperidol.