Clinical Report: Influence of Menstrual Cycle Stages on PONV in Women

Overview

This study investigates the effect of menstrual cycle phases on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in premenopausal women after laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery. The findings indicate no significant differences in PONV incidence between the luteal and non-luteal phases during the first 120 hours post-surgery.

Background

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a prevalent complication following surgery, potentially leading to severe outcomes such as dehydration and delayed recovery. Women are at a higher risk for PONV due to hormonal fluctuations, which may influence postoperative outcomes. Understanding the impact of menstrual cycle phases on PONV is essential for optimizing patient management in surgical settings.

Data Highlights

No significant differences in PONV incidence were observed between the luteal and non-luteal phases during 0–24 h post-surgery (44.5% vs. 47.1%, adjusted odds ratio 1.10, 95% CI: 0.62–1.95, adjusted P = 0.735).

Key Findings

• The study included 240 premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.
• No significant difference in PONV incidence was found between the luteal and non-luteal phases during the first 24 hours post-surgery.
• Secondary outcomes showed no significant differences in nausea, emetic episodes, or antiemetic medication use between the two groups.
• Sensitivity analyses indicated no significant association between surgery-to-ovulation interval and PONV outcomes.
• The menstrual cycle phase did not influence PONV occurrence within 0–24 h or 25–120 h after surgery.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that menstrual cycle phases may not significantly influence PONV risk in premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.

Conclusion

The menstrual cycle phase does not appear to significantly affect the incidence of PONV in premenopausal women following laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers, Source, 2026 -- The impact of menstrual cycle phases on postoperative nausea and vomiting in premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
2. Fourth Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, ASHP, 2020
3. Surgical Endoscopy — Injection of Anisodamine at ST36 Acupoint for Managing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Women Following Bariatric Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study
4. Effect of Pulmonary Recruitment Maneuver on Postoperative Shoulder Pain and Nausea Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Results from a Randomized Controlled Study
5. Obesity Surgery — Evaluation of Contraceptive Guidance and Usage Among Women Post-Bariatric Surgery
6. Obesity Surgery — Incidence of Early Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Following Bariatric Surgery: Insights from a Cohort of 8426 Patients in the Swedish Perioperative Registry (SPOR)
7. Fourth Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
8. Frontiers | Risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
9. Frontiers | The impact of menstrual cycle phases on postoperative nausea and vomiting in premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial