Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a common and clinically significant complication in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS), particularly in ambulatory and office-based anesthesia settings. Beyond patient discomfort, PONV in OMS carries unique risks, including airway compromise, hematoma formation, wound dehiscence, and delayed healing-especially in the presence of intraoral wounds, elastics, or intermaxillary fixation. It also contributes to delayed discharge and unplanned health care utilization. This article reviews the underlying neurophysiology, identifies patient-specific and procedure-specific risk factors, and outlines evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies tailored to OMS practice, with an emphasis on practical implementation in outpatient surgical environments.