This article reviews the etiology, treatment, and prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). PONV is a common complication following anesthesia, affecting 20-30% of patients, with a higher incidence in pediatric patients and women. The mechanisms of PONV involve the activation of the vomiting center in the brain stem, which is influenced by various factors such as age, gender, obesity, history of motion sickness, anxiety, and gastroparesis. The type of surgical procedure, duration of surgery, and anesthetic techniques also play significant roles. General anesthesia, particularly with inhalation agents like ether and cyclopropane, is associated with a higher incidence of PONV compared to modern anesthetic techniques. Regional anesthesia, including spinal and epidural techniques, generally has a lower incidence of PONV. Monitored anesthesia care, using local anesthetics and intravenous sedation, can also lead to PONV. Postoperative factors such as pain, dizziness, ambulation, oral intake, and opioid use can influence the incidence of PONV. Antiemetic drugs, including phenothiazines, butyrophenones, and antihistamines, are commonly used to prevent and treat PONV, but their effectiveness varies. The choice of antiemetic depends on the patient's specific risk factors and the type of surgery.This article reviews the etiology, treatment, and prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). PONV is a common complication following anesthesia, affecting 20-30% of patients, with a higher incidence in pediatric patients and women. The mechanisms of PONV involve the activation of the vomiting center in the brain stem, which is influenced by various factors such as age, gender, obesity, history of motion sickness, anxiety, and gastroparesis. The type of surgical procedure, duration of surgery, and anesthetic techniques also play significant roles. General anesthesia, particularly with inhalation agents like ether and cyclopropane, is associated with a higher incidence of PONV compared to modern anesthetic techniques. Regional anesthesia, including spinal and epidural techniques, generally has a lower incidence of PONV. Monitored anesthesia care, using local anesthetics and intravenous sedation, can also lead to PONV. Postoperative factors such as pain, dizziness, ambulation, oral intake, and opioid use can influence the incidence of PONV. Antiemetic drugs, including phenothiazines, butyrophenones, and antihistamines, are commonly used to prevent and treat PONV, but their effectiveness varies. The choice of antiemetic depends on the patient's specific risk factors and the type of surgery.