Risk Factors Associated with Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Background/Objectives: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication that may negatively affect patient comfort and recovery following procedures performed under sedation. Although gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures are widely performed, data on the incidence and risk factors of PONV after esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) remain limited. This study aimed to determine the incidence of PONV following EGD under sedation and to identify factors associated with its development. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included adult patients who underwent elective EGD under sedation between June and November 2023. Demographic and clinical data, Apfel risk scores, sedative agents, procedure duration, and macroscopic endoscopic findings were obtained from electronic medical records. PONV was assessed based on documentation during the post-anesthesia care unit stay. Patients were categorized into PONV-positive and PONV-negative groups and compared using appropriate statistical tests. Results: A total of 152 patients were included, and PONV occurred in 13 patients (8.6%). Female sex (p = 0.020), higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.009), preoperative nausea or vomiting (p = 0.002), thyroid disease (p = 0.004), oral antidiabetic drug use (p = 0.003), and higher Apfel risk scores (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with PONV. Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, procedure duration, sedative agents, and macroscopic endoscopic findings showed no significant association. Conclusions: PONV following EGD under sedation was relatively uncommon. Patient-related factors, particularly female sex, higher BMI, preoperative nausea, thyroid disease, oral antidiabetic drug use, and higher Apfel scores, were associated with increased risk.