Comparison of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Rates in Opioid-Free Anesthesia Protocols Versus Traditional Regimens with Varying Plane Block Techniques

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 1 6
    By

    Pratul,

  • Rahul Sharma,

  • Deepanshu Sharma,

  1. Student, Department of Anesthesia, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed-to-be-University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
  2. Aneasthesia Technician, Department of Anaesthesia, The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1FR, United Kingdom
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesia, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed-to-be-University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India

Abstract

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) continue to be important adverse effects that negatively influence patient recovery and satisfaction following surgery. Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and regional plane blocks show potential in decreasing these complications when compared with conventional opioid-based anesthesia (OBA). Objective: To compare the incidence and severity of PONV among patients receiving OFA with transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block versus OBA with TAP or erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks. Methods: Ninety adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into 3 groups of 30 each: OFA + TAP, OBA + TAP, and OBA + ESP. PONV incidence and severity were recorded over 24 hours post-op. Secondary outcomes included rescue antiemetic use and discharge timings. Results: The OFA + TAP group exhibited a significantly lower PONV incidence (13%) versus OBA + TAP (35%) and OBA + ESP (28%). Rescue antiemetic use was also reduced in OFA (10%) compared to OBA counterparts (27% and 18%). Nausea severity scores were lowest in the OFA group at all assessed time points. The OFA group had shorter discharge times. Conclusion: OFA combined with TAP block effectively reduces PONV incidence and severity compared to traditional opioid regimens, supporting adoption in day care anesthesia

Keywords: Erector spinae plane block, laparoscopic surgery, opioid-free anesthesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting, regional anesthesia, rescue antiemetics, transversus abdominis plane block

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Pratul, Rahul Sharma, Deepanshu Sharma. Comparison of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Rates in Opioid-Free Anesthesia Protocols Versus Traditional Regimens with Varying Plane Block Techniques. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):1-6.
How to cite this URL:
Pratul, Rahul Sharma, Deepanshu Sharma. Comparison of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Rates in Opioid-Free Anesthesia Protocols Versus Traditional Regimens with Varying Plane Block Techniques. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology. 2026; 15(01):1-6. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjomst/article=2026/view=239565


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 02/01/2026
Accepted 22/01/2026
Published 10/03/2026
Publication Time 67 Days
15

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