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 non
pharmacological 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.