Purpose: Recently, a multimodal strategy using various medications and non-pharmacological methods has been recommended for treating Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV). Cold water gargling may be helpful as one of the nonpharmacological methods. 

Methods: A total of 49 patients were randomly divided into a control group (Group C, n = 25) and a gargling group (Group G, n = 24). When postoperative patients experienced nausea after awaking from the anesthesia, anti emetics were administered to Group C, while Group G patients gargled 2-3 times with 50cc cold water (2-8℃). The extent of nausea in the two groups was measured straight after the treatment and in 30/60 minutes and 24 hours later using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Findings: Immediately after the treatment, the degree of nausea in Group G was lower than in Group C (P = 0.002). However by 30/60 minutes and 24 hours after the treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The number of anti emetics administered after discharge from the PACU was significantly greater in Group C than in Group G.  

Conclusions: Cold water gargling is helpful in reducing postoperative nausea.