The effects of left vagus nerve block on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing thoracic or abdominal laparoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeTo explore the influence of preoperative vagus nerve block (VNB) on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing thoracic or abdominal laparoscopic surgery. MethodsPatients were randomly divided into the VNB group (V group, n=60) and the control group (C group, n=60). The V group received left VNB before anesthesia induction, while the C group did not receive any intervention. The incidence and severity of PONV within one day after surgery were compared between the two groups to evaluate the effect of left VNB on PONV in patients. ResultsThe incidence of PONV in the V group (25%) was significantly lower than that in the C group (60%) ({chi}2 = 15.038, P < 0.001). The incidences of mild and severe PONV in the V group were 16.67% and 8.33%, respectively, while those in the C group were 36.67% and 23.33%, respectively. The differences between the two groups were significant (mild: {chi}2 = 6.136, P = 0.013; severe: {chi}2 = 5.065, P = 0.024). ConclusionLeft VNB can reduce the incidence and severity of PONV caused by thoracic or abdominal laparoscopic surgery.