Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 10/6/2007

Question
Hello, I would like to know the advantages and disadvantages of using general v. regional anesthesia. Which one is better?
Also, What are the biochemical causes of PONV and how do we prevent it from happening or lessen the chances??? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

Answer
Hi Kim
The answer is that neither is better, you need to choose the appropriate anaesthetic for the patient and planned procedure. This sounds like a homework question and their are plenty of good portals with this info available. Look up the CTZ (chemoreceptor trigger zone) and vomiting centre and how they interact. Try http://www.frca.co.uk/SearchRender.aspx?DocId=51&Index=D%3a%5cdtSearch%5cUserDat...

Prevention is a big topic ranging from careful choice of technique eg avoiding opioids when possible, avoiding N2O, and then specific prevention with anti emetics. Modern trend is to use of multiple drugs that cat on different parts of the pathways.
Best of luck
Dr Ian Jackson