BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are very common complications in anesthetic practice, but they represent a significant challenge in the population of patients who are at high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Early identification of PONV risk factors to predict which patients are most likely to experience these complications is necessary.

METHODS: This work consisted of a descriptive, prospective study involving the application of questionnaires and the use of scientific articles and books in order to elucidate the degree of knowledge of anesthesiologists at Hospital of Brazilian Health System in the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting postoperative.

RESULTS: The study population was 30 anesthesiologists, 83.34% were men and 16.66% were women. The age range was 54 - 28 years. Length of experience in Anesthesiology: 60% work between 0- 5 years; 10% work between 5-10 years; 10% work between 11-15 years and 20% work for more than 15 years. 100% of the participants got the risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting right, but only 43.3% got the name of the scale that assesses the chance of PONV in adults.

CONCLUSION: A strategy for handling and preventing PONV is important for anesthesiologists to know, since the prophylactic use of antiemetic therapy in patients at moderate to high risk of PONV provides a better cost-benefit ratio and also avoids the increase in hospital costs and human resources.