Evaluation and Comparison of the Effect of Different Intraoperative Oxygen Concentrations on Reduction of Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy under General Anesthesia

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common complications after anesthesia, and causes discomfort in many people. In some studies, the administration of high oxygen concentration during surgery has reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different intraoperative oxygen concentrations on reduction of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 105 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to three groups; the first group received 30% oxygen + 70% air, the second group 50% oxygen + 50% air, and the third group 70% oxygen + 30% air. Pain and nausea intensity was assessed using visual analogue scale. The data of this study were compared between the groups. Findings: There were significant differences between the groups based on the number vomits, and nausea and pain intensity at end of recovery, and 6, 12, and 18 hours postoperatively (P < 0.050 for all). Conclusion: High concentrations of oxygen reduces postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with lower concentrations, but does not reduce the need for metoclopramide.