Symptoms · After an operation
Nausea and vomiting after an operation
The short answer
Nausea and vomiting are common in the first day after an operation, from the anaesthetic and the painkillers, and they usually settle within a day. See your surgical team if vomiting continues, if you cannot keep fluids down, or if you also have severe belly pain, a swollen belly, or no wind or stool. Go to the emergency room for repeated vomiting with a swollen, painful belly, or for vomiting blood.
How patients describe it
- I feel sick after the operation
- I keep vomiting
- I cannot keep water down
- My belly is swollen and I am sick
- I feel full and bloated
Go to the emergency room now if you have
- Repeated vomiting with a swollen, painful belly
- No wind or stool together with vomiting
- Vomiting blood, or black stools
- Fever with belly pain
- Signs of dehydration: dizziness, a very dry mouth, or passing very little urine
What can cause it
The anaesthetic and painkillers
Nausea in the first day that settles, often helped by anti-sickness medicine.
Next step: Sip fluids and rest; ask for anti-sickness medicine.
A slow bowel after surgery
Nausea, bloating and no wind for a day or two, which can follow bowel surgery.
Next step: Walking and small sips; your team will watch you.
A bowel blockage
Cramps, repeated vomiting, a swollen belly, and no wind or stool.
Next step: Go to the emergency room.
Infection or a leak
Fever, increasing belly pain and a fast heartbeat.
Next step: Go to the emergency room.
Medicines or dehydration
Some antibiotics, iron tablets and strong painkillers cause nausea or constipation.
Next step: Ask your team about changing the medicine.
What you can do now
- Take small sips of water or clear fluids
- Eat small, plain meals when the nausea settles
- Take the anti-sickness medicine you were given
- Walk as advised, because it helps the bowel to wake up
- Do not take extra painkillers beyond what was prescribed
Tests your doctor may order
- Examination of the belly
- Blood tests
- An X-ray or CT scan if a blockage or leak is suspected
When is surgery needed?
- Most nausea needs nothing more than medicine and time.
- A bowel blockage or a leak may need treatment in hospital, and sometimes another operation.
Questions people ask
Is vomiting normal after surgery?
In the first day, yes. It should settle quickly. Vomiting that continues or comes with a swollen belly needs a check.
When can I eat?
Start with sips and small, plain meals as soon as the nausea settles, and follow your team's instructions.
Is it dangerous to be sick after a bowel operation?
A little nausea is expected. Repeated vomiting, a swollen belly, or no wind or stool needs to be seen the same day.
This page gives general information and does not replace the advice of your treating team. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room.