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Is there a way to reduce postoperative vomiting anxiety?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 50-year-old female who would like to have a breast reduction. However, I am at high risk for vomiting from the anesthesia as I have a phobia of vomiting, and I am susceptible to motion sickness.

I am a non-smoker. I had general anesthesia once before, and I vomited several times. I am so scared that I have rescheduled the surgery three times. Is there anything else that can be used instead of general anesthesia? What can be done to prevent vomiting? Currently, I am on medication for Hashimoto's thyroiditis and compounding cream for menopause. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

General anesthesia has known post anesthesia effects of nausea, retching, vomiting, etc. Also, these may be due to the direct effect of surgery and pain. You seem to be very sensitive and anxious about it. But usually, it is seen that with each subsequent episode of administration of general anesthesia, these effects tend to decrease in severity. If the last time you had vomiting post-anesthesia, it will be less severe in terms of the number of episodes, reducing your discomfort if you may have a preexisting gastroduodenal ulcer or gastritis. So I would advise you to discuss issues with your anesthesiologist and surgeon.

Nausea and vomiting can be taken care of by medicines like proton pump inhibitors, and antiemetics, which will be given by your physician in recommended doses. Take a light, non-oily meal on the day before your surgery so that your stomach stays relatively acid-free.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At May 11, 2020
Reviewed At October 15, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jadhav Yatish Anant is a skilled Anesthesiologist with expertise in administering general, regional, and local anesthesia for surgical procedures. He also does preoperative assessment to ensure patient safety before surgery. He provides Pain management for acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. He is well-versed in monitoring and managing vital functions during surgery. He is an expert in critical care and intensive care management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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