The effect on outcome of peribulbar anaesthesia in conjunction with general anesthesia for vitreoretinal surgery

The purpose of this study was to evaluate peri‐operative outcome after vitreoretinal surgery when peribulbar anaesthesia is combined with general anaesthesia. Sixty adult patients undergoing elective primary retinal detachment surgery with scleral buckling or an encircling procedure received either peribulbar anaesthesia in conjunction with general anaesthesia or general anaesthesia alone. For peribulbar anaesthesia a single percutaneous injection of 5–7 ml of local anaesthetic solution (0.75% ropivacaine with hyaluronidase 15 iu.ml^?1) was used. The incidence of intra‐operative oculocardiac reflex and surgical bleeding interfering with the surgical field, postoperative pain and analgesia requirements, and postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded. In the block group there was a lower incidence of oculocardiac reflex and surgical bleeding intra‐operatively. Patients in the block group also had better postoperative analgesia and a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with the group without a block. The use of peribulbar anaesthesia in conjunction with general anesthesia was superior to general anaesthesia alone for vitreoretinal surgery with scleral buckling.     

Effects of peribulbar bupivacaine as an adjunct to general anaesthesia on peri-operative outcome following retinal detachment surgery

Sixty premedicated, ASA physical status I or II patients weighing > 25 kg scheduled for elective retinal detachment repair were randomly assigned to receive either peribulbar block with 10 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine (block group) or intravenous morphine 150 microg.kg-1 (morphine group), prior to the induction of general anaesthesia (n = 30 in each group). Patients were evaluated for intra-operative oculocardiac reflex, peri-operative pain relief, recovery from anaesthesia and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Apart from significantly reducing the incidence of oculocardiac reflex (30% vs. 70%, p = 0.0019), peribulbar bupivacaine also attenuated the severity of the reflex. Postoperative pain relief was superior in the block group. More block group patients had the maximum recovery score in the immediate postoperative period (80% vs. 27%, p < 0. 0001) and they achieved complete recovery significantly faster than the morphine group (17.3 (14.7) min vs. 66.7 (29.7) min, p < 0.0001). The incidence (40% vs. 77%, p = 0.004) and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting were significantly less in the block group. In summary, peribulbar bupivacaine, when administered together with general anaesthesia, attenuated oculocardiac reflex, provided comparable intra-operative and superior postoperative analgesia, resulted in significantly earlier and better recovery from anaesthesia, and significantly reduced the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting.     

Pitfalls of anesthesiologic management in paediatric strabismus surgery

Strabismus surgery is one of the most common paediatric operation procedures. As associated with congenital syndrome, congenital heart disease and neuromuscular disorder, the anesthesiologic management has to be planned carefully. Considering high incidences of oculocardiac reflex (OCR) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) anesthesia can be performed to decrease both. Induction of anesthesia with ketamine or midzolam reduces risk of oculocardiac reflex, whereas propofol or remifentanil lead to higher incidences of OCR. A combination anti-emetic therapy from different drug classes is recommend to patients at high risk for nausea and vomiting like patients undergoing strabismus surgery. A combination therapy of ondansetron and dexamethasone lead to a risk reduction of PONV to at least 10 %. Further, the incidence of OCR and PONV is significantly reduced in children receiving peribulbar block on top of general anaesthesia.     

Nerve-stimulator guided paravertebral blockade vs. general anaesthesia for breast surgery: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Different anaesthetic techniques are used during breast surgery but are frequently associated with unsatisfactory postoperative analgesia. Paravertebral nerve blockade has recently been proposed as a favourable alternative for this type of surgical procedure, providing excellent pain relief and a reduced incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The aim of the present study was to compare the use of a nerve-stimulator guided paravertebral nerve blockade technique to regular general anaesthesia for breast surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients were prospectively randomized to receive either paravertebral nerve blockade or general anaesthesia for breast surgery. The primary end-point of the study was to assess postoperative analgesia (visual analogue scale and supplemental opioid requirements); the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and length of hospital stay were considered as secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Visual analogue scores both at rest and at movement, as well as the need for supplemental opioid administration during the first 3 days postoperatively, were significantly lower in patients handled with para-vertebral nerve blockade compared to patients receiving general anaesthesia (P < 0.05). The number of patients free from nausea and vomiting after operation was significantly higher in the paravertebral nerve blockade group (93%) compared to the general anaesthesia group (67%) (P < 0.05). The use of paravertebral nerve blockade was also associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay (median 1 day) compared to general anaesthesia (2 days) (P < 0.01). Both the performance of the block and the intraoperative conditions was well accepted by the vast majority of patients treated by paravertebral nerve blockade (97%). CONCLUSION: The use of paravertebral nerve blockade was associated with improved postoperative pain relief, a reduced incidence of nausea and vomiting after operation and a shorter duration of hospital stay compared to general anaesthesia in patients undergoing breast surgery.     

Sub-Tenon's block reduces both intraoperative and postoperative analgesia requirement in vitreo-retinal surgery under general anaesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of sub-Tenon's local anaesthetic block and placebo on peri-operative opioid requirement and cardiovascular stability and on postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing vitreo-retinal surgery under general anaesthesia. METHODS: We studied 43 patients undergoing vitreo-retinal surgery under general anaesthesia in a randomized double blind study. Patients received a standard general anaesthetic followed by a sub-Tenon's injection of 4-5 mL of either bupivacaine 0.75% or saline. We recorded intraoperative invasive arterial pressure, then the incidence and severity of pain and of nausea and vomiting, for 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: In the sub-Tenon's bupivacaine group, there was a significant reduction in the perioperative opioid use and a reduction in the frequency of bradycardia and hypertensive episodes, defined as a rise > 25% of baseline for a duration of > 3 min. The sub-Tenon's bupivacaine group also had significantly lower pain scores and nausea scores at 12 h, concomitant with a lower consumption of analgesia and antiemetics. CONCLUSIONS: This local anaesthetic technique is effective in vitreo-retinal surgery and can be safely applied to this population of patients regardless of axial length.     

Motion sickness and postoperative vomiting in children

BACKGROUND: Motion sickness is considered an important risk factor for postoperative nausea and vomiting in children. The aim of this study was to verify the impact of motion sickness on the incidence of vomiting after routine surgery in children, and to compare the incidence of vomiting, after combined regional/general anaesthesia, using either halothane or sevoflurane. METHODS: We prospectively studied 420 children (369 males and 51 females) who received general anaesthesia and inguinal field block for common paediatric surgery. The children were randomly allocated into one of two groups (halothane or sevoflurane). In the 200 children in the first group (H), general anaesthesia was induced and maintained with halothane, whereas in the 220 children in the second group (S), anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane. RESULTS: There were 79 children with a prior history of motion sickness (MS+) and 341 without such a history (MS-). In the MS+ population, the incidence of vomiting was similar in both H and S groups, being around 33%. However, repeated episodes of vomiting in MS+ children were more frequent when halothane was used. In the MS- group, the incidence of vomiting was significantly greater in the H group (19%) than in the S group (8%). CONCLUSIONS: In the postoperative period, we found that MS+ children vomit more than MS- children, regardless of the inhalation anaesthetic used. However, MS- children displayed a higher incidence of vomiting when halothane was used rather than sevoflurane.     

Incidence of nausea and vomiting in children after strabismus surgery following desflurane anaesthesia

In a prospective, randomized parallel study, 60 ASA I-III children aged 1-17 years, scheduled for elective strabismus surgery, were anaesthetized with desflurane without prophylactic antiemetic medication. The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anaesthesia with desflurane. To decide whether nitrous oxide further influences these symptoms, the patients were randomly assigned to two groups of 30 patients each. One group received desflurane in oxygen/air and a second group received desflurane in oxygen/nitrous oxide. In all children, after intravenous induction and tracheal intubation, anaesthesia was administered as minimal flow anaesthesia with oxygen and nitrous oxide or air according to the random plan. The patients were observed for 48 postoperative hours until their discharge from the ward. The overall incidence of nausea was found to be 37%, and vomiting was seen in 32% of all patients. No statistical correlation was found between the incidence of postoperative emesis and the administration of nitrous oxide or the duration of general anaesthesia. Instead, the incidence of vomiting was 2.5-fold higher when surgery was performed on both eyes compared with one eye. The relatively low incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as the quick recovery from anaesthesia, permitting an early discharge from the postoperative care unit to the ward, show desflurane to be a suitable volatile anaesthetic in strabismus surgery in children.     

General anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery

The majority of ophthalmic surgeries are performed as day cases under topical or regional anaesthesia with or without intravenous sedation. However, general anaesthesia is necessary in certain circumstances e.g. local anaesthetic allergy or patients who are unable to cooperate or to lie flat or still. Patients for ophthalmic surgery are frequently elderly with multiple comorbidities, such as diabetes and hypertension. Patients with rare genetic syndromes may present for eye surgery. Therefore adequate preoperative evaluation and preparation will minimize perioperative complications. The goals of general anaesthesia are smooth induction and emergence, with stable intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and akinesia of the globe. These can be achieved with a combination of intravenous and inhalational agents with or without muscle relaxants and opiates. Use of the laryngeal mask airway has the advantage of causing a smaller rise in IOP on insertion and less coughing on emergence. Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil has the advantages of causing less postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), reduced stress response to airway intervention, rapid recovery and smooth emergence. Some eye procedures require special consideration, for example, strabismus and vitreoretinal surgery involves traction of the rectus muscles producing a higher incidence of oculocardiac reflex and PONV. Most ophthalmic surgery produces mild to moderate pain amenable to non-opioid analgesics. Intraoperative topical and regional anaesthesia reduce postoperative pain and opiate requirement. Open globe injury and a full stomach present unique challenges to prevent increase in IOP as well as protecting the airway.     

General anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery

The majority of ophthalmic surgeries are performed as day cases under topical or regional anaesthesia with or without intravenous sedation. However, general anaesthesia is necessary in certain circumstances e.g. local anaesthetic allergy or patients who are unable to cooperate or to lie flat or still. Patients for ophthalmic surgery are frequently elderly with multiple comorbidities, such as diabetes and hypertension. Patients with rare genetic syndromes may present for eye surgery. Therefore adequate preoperative evaluation and preparation will minimize perioperative complications. The goals of general anaesthesia are smooth induction and emergence, with stable intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and akinesia of the globe. These can be achieved with a combination of intravenous and inhalational agents with or without muscle relaxants and opiates. Use of the laryngeal mask airway has the advantage of causing a smaller rise in IOP on insertion and less coughing on emergence. Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil has the advantages of causing less postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), reduced stress response to airway intervention, rapid recovery and smooth emergence. Some eye procedures require special consideration, for example, strabismus and vitreoretinal surgery involves traction of the rectus muscles producing a higher incidence of oculocardiac reflex and PONV. Most ophthalmic surgery produces mild to moderate pain amenable to non-opioid analgesics. Intraoperative topical and regional anaesthesia reduce postoperative pain and opiate requirement. Open globe injury and a full stomach present unique challenges to prevent increase in IOP as well as protecting the airway.     

Usefulness of pre-emptive peribulbar block in pediatric vitreoretinal surgery: a prospective study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vitreoretinal (VR) surgery with or without scleral buckling is associated with significant postoperative pain and emesis in adults, and recent studies have addressed the effect of retro or peribulbar block on these parameters. VR surgery in children has received little attention regarding the incidence of pain and emesis, and the role of regional anesthesia in modifying these parameters. In this study, we compared peribulbar block with conventional opioid analgesia in children undergoing VR surgery. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, single-blind study, 85 children (ages 6 to 13 years) were allocated to receive peribulbar block (n = 42) or intravenous meperidine 1 mg/kg (n = 43) after induction of general anesthesia. Parameters compared were: intraoperative incidence of oculocardiac reflex and requirement for additional analgesic; postoperative pain intensity; incidence of postoperative emesis; time to first analgesic, total number of postoperative analgesic supplements; and parental assessment of the child's postoperative comfort at 24 hours. RESULTS: The incidence of intraoperative oculocardiac reflex was significantly less in the peribulbar group (P =.0001). Significantly more children receiving peribulbar block were pain free on awakening (P =.0004) and throughout the postoperative period. The number of children requiring opioid was significantly lower with peribulbar block (P =.008), and a significant number of children did not vomit throughout the postoperative period (P =.001). CONCLUSIONS: Peribulbar block appears to be a safe and clinically superior alternative to intravenous opioid for pediatric VR surgery.     

Safety and efficacy of peribulbar block as adjunct to general anaesthesia for paediatric ophthalmic surgery

METHODS: Fifty children (age 5-14 years, ASA I-II) undergoing elective ophthalmic surgery were chosen for the study. Of these, 25 received intravenous pethidine (control group) and 25 received a peribulbar block (block group) for perioperative analgesia, and were monitored intraoperatively and postoperatively by an investigator blinded to the analgesic technique. RESULTS: Intraoperative values of haemodynamic variables were significantly higher in the control group (P < 0.01). Requirement for intraoperative rescue analgesic and postoperative analgesia was higher in the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Children in the block group had lower postoperative pain scores at all times. Incidence of oculocardiac reflex was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the control group. Seventy-six percent of children in the control group had postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to 20% children in the block group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There were no complications related to the block. Peribulbar block appears to be a safe and useful analgesic technique for paediatric ophthalmic surgery.     

Bilateral paravertebral somatic nerve block for ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Unilateral paravertebral nerve blockade has been reported to produce excellent afferent nerve block, reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and reduce hospital stay following inguinal hernia repair. The aim was to compare the use of bilateral paravertebral blocks to regular general anaesthesia for ventral hernia repair. METHODS: Sixty patients were prospectively allocated to receive either bilateral paravertebral nerve blockade (midazolam for block; supplemented with light intraoperative sedation if needed) or general anaesthesia for ventral hernia repair. The end-points of the study were length of hospital stay, postoperative analgesia (visual analogue scale, supplemental opioid requirement) and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: The duration of hospital stay was observed to be shorter in patients handled with bilateral paravertebral nerve blockade (2.3 [SD 1.3] days) compared with patients receiving general anaesthesia (4.1 (3.0) days). Paravertebral analgesia resulted in both lower visual analogue scores and a significantly reduced need for supplemental opioid administration during the first 48 h postoperatively compared with general anaesthesia (P < 0.001). The rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the paravertebral nerve blockade group was only 3.3%, while 26.7% of patients in the general anaesthesia group suffered from postoperative nausea and vomiting (P < 0.05). Paravertebral nerve blockade was associated with good patient acceptance in 90% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral paravertebral blockade combined with light intravenous sedation was superior to general anaesthesia for ventral hernia repair. Paravertebral blockade was associated with shorter hospital stay, improved analgesia and less postoperative nausea and vomiting. It is suggested that this technique deserves more widespread use in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair.     

Comparison of methylprednisolone and droperidol in the prevention of nausea and vomiting following major gynaecological surgery]

The efficacy of methylprednisolone (MP) (500 or 250 mg) or droperidol 2.5 mg administered i.v., was studied in 200 women undergoing major gynaecological surgery. Following a standardised general anaesthesia technique with intrathecal morphine, the incidence of nausea and vomiting was assessed. The frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the non-treated group was 59% and 35%; the group of MP 500 mg has a significant reduction of nausea and vomiting to 21% and 13%. Droperidol 2.5 mg decreased the incidence of postoperative nausea alone (nausea: 36%, vomiting: 19%). MP 250 mg was not effective in reducing either nausea or vomiting (nausea: 44%, vomiting: 38%). It was concluded that, of the drugs studied, MP 500 mg was most effective in preventing nausea and vomiting after major gynaecological surgery.     

Postoperative complaints after spinal and thiopentone-isoflurane anaesthesia in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery Spinal versus general anaesthesia

Background. The present prospective study investigates the impact of a standardized technique of spinal and general anaesthesia on the incidence and consequences of postanaesthetic complaints dependent on age and sex of patients.
Methods. 433 orthopaedic patients underwent lower limb surgery in spinal (group 1) or general (group 2) anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia was performed with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine using a 26-gauge Quincke needle. General anaesthesia was induced with i.v. injection of thiopentone, fentanyl and atracurium and maintained with 65% nitrous oxide and 1-1.5 Vol% isoflurane in oxygen. On postoperative day 4, patients were interviewed for onset and duration of postoperative complaints.
Results. The overall incidence of nausea/vomiting ( P =0.025) and sore throat ( P =0.001) was higher in group 2. In addition, nausea/vomiting was higher in patients between 20 and 60 years in group 2 compared with group 1. While the incidence of urinary dysfunction was higher in men after spinal ( P =0.04), nausea/vomiting was more frequent in women after general anaesthesia ( P =0.008). Analgetic requirements ( P =0.013), time of postoperative surveillance ( P =0.042) and frequency of treatment of postoperative complaints ( P =0.0001) was higher in group 2.
Conclusion. Spinal anaesthesia was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complaints and treatments and a shorter surveillance compared to general anaesthesia. Specific complications related to spinal anaesthesia did not depend on age or sex and may allow for recommendation of this technique even in younger and female patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery.     

The effect of anaesthetic technique on postoperative nausea and vomiting after day-case gynaecological laparoscopy

Gynaecological surgery is of high emetogenic potential and both total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and prophylactic antiemetic therapy may reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We studied 144 patients scheduled for day-case gynaecological laparoscopy in a randomized trial comparing balanced inhalational anaesthesia and prophylactic dolasetron (group I+D) with propofol TIVA and dolasetron (group T+D) or TIVA alone (group T). The primary outcome of "complete response" (no vomiting, no treatment for PONV) was not significantly different among groups (34%, 51%, 32%; groups I+D vs T+D vs T, P=0.12). During the first hour after surgery, group I+D had nausea of greater severity (P<0.03). During hospital admission, group T had more vomiting (P<0.03). From discharge until 24 hours postoperatively, 55% of group I+D experience nausea and 38% vomited. The incidence and severity of nausea were significantly lower in the TIVA groups (P<0.04 and <0.05 respectively). There were no significant differences between groups T+D and T, although comparing all groups the complete response rate was highest and the post-discharge incidence and severity of nausea lowest in group T+D. In conclusion, propofol TIVA, with or without dolasetron, reduced postoperative nausea, but not perioperative vomiting or antiemetic requirement, when compared with inhalational anaesthesia plus dolasetron.     

Propofol-nitrous oxide versus sevoflurane-nitrous oxide for strabismus surgery in children

Vomiting is a common problem following strabismus surgery. We compared the effects of propofol-N2O and sevoflurane-N2O on the incidence of oculocardiac reflex and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Forty unpremedicated children, aged 3-15 years were randomly assigned to two groups of 20 patients. In group 1, anaesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol infusion (173 +/- 41 micrograms.kg-1.min-1). In group 2, anaesthesia was induced with N2O (66%) in O2 and incremental sevoflurane via face mask and maintained with sevoflurane. Both groups received 66% N2O in O2 throughout surgery. The overall incidence of vomiting and antiemetic requirement in the first 24 h was significantly higher in sevoflurane-N2O group than propofol-N2O group (P < 0.05). The propofol-N2O group had significantly more episodes of oculocardiac reflex than sevoflurane-N2O group (P < 0.05). Propofol-N2O anaesthesia results in a significantly lower incidence of postoperative vomiting, yet a significantly higher incidence of oculocardiac reflex.     

Ondansetron versus placebo for the control of nausea and vomiting during Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia

This prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was performed to evaluate the effects of ondansetron on nausea and vomiting during elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Seventy-four full-term parturients were studied. After umbilical-cord clamping, ondansetron 4 mg or 0.9% saline was injected intravenously and the study period continued for 2 h. The severity of nausea was graded from 0 = none to 10 = maximum, while that of vomiting was graded from single = once per min to continuous = multiple per min. The incidence of vomiting was lower following ondansetron (36%) compared with the control group (58%, p < 0.028). Neither the severity of vomiting nor the incidence of nausea was influenced by ondansetron. However, for those who experienced nausea, ondansetron reduced its severity (p = 0.05). We conclude that the intra-operative administration of 4 mg ondansetron intravenously during Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia significantly reduces the incidence of vomiting and the severity of nausea.     

Postoperative morphine requirements, nausea and vomiting following anaesthesia for tonsillectomy. Comparison of intravenous morphine and non-opioid analgesic techniques

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to be as effective as opioid analgesia following tonsillectomy in children. Opioids are still frequently used but tonsillectomy is associated with a high incidence of vomiting. This study has attempted to assess postoperative analgesic consumption and nausea and vomiting after general anaesthesia for tonsillectomy using either paracetamol premedication, paracetamol plus a NSAID or intravenous morphine to provide postoperative analgesia. Some children required a rescue dose of morphine in the recovery room, including some who had received intravenous morphine at induction. Least supplementary morphine was required by those who had received paracetamol plus ketorolac. Postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly less in the two groups which were not given intraoperative morphine. The number of vomiting incidents was also much less. We conclude that the preoperative administration of paracetamol alone provides satisfactory analgesia in many children but that supplementary analgesia is still required for some.     

Effect of timing of ondansetron administration on incidence of postoperative vomiting in paediatric strabismus surgery

This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study evaluated the effect of the timing of ondansetron administration on its antiemetic efficacy in children undergoing elective strabismus surgery. One hundred and twenty children aged one to 15 years, ASA physical status 1 or 2, were randomly allocated to receive intravenous ondansetron 100 micrograms/kg either at induction (Group 1) or at the end of the surgery (Group 2). All patients had general anaesthesia induced and maintained with nitrous oxide and halothane, muscle relaxation with vecuronium, endotracheal intubation, reversal with neostigmine and glycopyrrolate, and pethidine 0.5 mg/kg analgesia. Episodes of nausea and vomiting were evaluated at 0 to 2, 2 to 6 and 6 to 24 hour intervals by a blinded observer. Demographic data, duration of anaesthesia, type of surgery, incidence of previous postoperative nausea or vomiting and motion sickness and number of patients who developed oculocardiac reflex requiring atropine treatment were similar in both groups. The incidence of emesis in the first 24 hours following surgery was similar in both groups (35% Group 1, 33.3% Group 2, P = 1.00). Severity of emesis (median number of emetic episodes, rescue antiemetic requirement and mean time to the onset of first episode of emesis) and mean time to discharge from the post anaesthesia care unit were also similar in the two groups. We conclude that the timing of ondansetron administration either before or after the surgical manipulation of extraocular muscles had similar antiemetic efficacy following strabismus surgery in children.     

Combined epidural-spinal opioid-free anaesthesia and analgesia for hysterectomy

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are major problems after gynaecological surgery. We studied 40 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy, allocated randomly to receive opioid-free epidural-spinal anaesthesia or general anaesthesia with continuous epidural bupivacaine 15 mg h-1 or continuous bupivacaine 10 mg h-1 with epidural morphine 0.2 mg h-1, respectively, for postoperative analgesia. Nausea, vomiting, pain and bowel function were scored on 4- point scales for 3 days. Patients undergoing general anaesthesia had significantly higher nausea and vomiting scores (P < 0.01) but significantly lower pain scores during rest (P < 0.05) and mobilization (P < 0.01). More patients undergoing general anaesthesia received antiemetics (13 vs five; P < 0.05), but fewer received supplementary opioids on the ward (eight vs 16; P < 0.05). We conclude that opioid- free epidural-spinal anaesthesia for hysterectomy caused less PONV, but with less effective analgesia compared with general anaesthesia with postoperative continuous epidural morphine and bupivacaine.