Newer trends in the prevention or treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting are common and distressing postsurgical complications. Prevention or early treatment of this complication should be a goal of all anesthesia providers. This article addresses the pathophysiology of nausea and vomiting and identifies patients at risk for this complication. Pharmacological actions and side effects of commonly used antiemetics are addressed. The new serotonin antagonists and combined antiemetic therapy are highlighted.