Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 6/25/2009

Question
My adult daughter has dysautonomia. As a result, the anesthesiologist used general anesthesia instead of a spinal for her hip surgery last year. She was severely nauseated for 5 days...as was I after my recent knee replacement. I had general because of a back issue.
  Supposedly, meds were used in the IV and PO but it didn't work for either of us. Our family doctor recommended Zophran but that didn't help either.

Any comments about using a spinal for my daughter or meds?

I'd greatly appreciate your input!
Roberta

Answer
The nice thing about a general anesthetic is that if there is a major problem, it can be turned OFF and the patient awakened.  With a spinal anesthetic, once administered the patient is 'stuck' with it including any negative effects--which may be serious in the face of significant systemic illness such as dysautonomia.

The subject of causes and cures of postoperative nausea and vomiting is exhaustive.....there are many resources available on the internet for you to review.