Efficacy of Gastric Aspiration in Reducing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Orthognathic Surgery: A Double-Blind Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether gastric aspiration performed after orthognathic surgery, in conjunction with a prophylactic protocol, could prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients treated at a single academic institution were included in this double-blinded randomized control trial and were divided into control (n = 12) and study (n = 12) groups. Patients underwent orthognathic surgery, and the same anesthetic protocol was used for the 2 groups. The only difference between groups was the performance of gastric aspiration in the study group. Patients were observed during the first postoperative day, and information concerning PONV was collected and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar in age, gender, and medical history. There was no statistically relevant difference between the control and study groups in the overall incidence of PONV (33.3 vs 33.3%). However, there was a significant correlation between the presence of PONV after turbinectomy (P = .011) and patient dissatisfaction (P = .049).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study could not associate the performance of gastric aspiration with a decrease in the incidence of PONV after orthognathic surgery.