The Effect of Ginger on the Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Single Dose of Preoperative Ginger on the Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Elective Gynaecological Surgery

This study evaluates the effectiveness of ginger on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing gynaecological surgery. Half the patients were given an oral dose of ginger preoperatively and half received placebo.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) commonly complicate surgery and may lead to a prolonged length of stay in hospital, increased complication rates and decreased patient satisfaction. Gynaecological surgery is considered high risk for PONV.

Ginger is a cheap, widely available and safe natural product in Jamaica and has been found to reduce the incidence of Nausea and vomiting in other clinical situations, such as in pregnancy. It is believed to act via the inhibition of serotonergic receptors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 or above
• Undergoing elective intra-abdominal, gynaecological surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to ginger, ginger by-products or cornstarch
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Allergy to any of the Anaesthesia Agents
• Inability to swallow capsules.
• psychiatric illness which prevents patients giving informed consent.
• Psychological which prevents patients giving informed consent.