Acupressure treatment in postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are common problems after general anesthesia,
especially in ambulatory surgery. Drug therapy is often associated with side effects. We studied a
non pharmacological method of therapy at the P6 point to prevent the side effects.
Methods and Materials: Fifty-eight consecutive healthy patients undergoing a variety of short
surgical procedures were included in a randomized, double-blind study in equal study and control
groups. Patients in study group received injection of 3 ml normal saline into the P6 acupuncture
point 30 minutes before the induction of anesthesia, while in control group injections performed
inappropriately on the posterior surface. In both groups, the age, gender, height, weight, and type
and duration of surgical procedures were all comparable without significant statistical difference.
Results: In recovery room in study group, only 5 of 29 patients (17.2%) had nausea and vomiting
as compared to control group, in which 15 of 29 patients (41.4%) had nausea and vomiting
(P<0.05). In ward in study group, 5 of 29 patients (17.2%) had nausea and vomiting as compared
to control group, in which 12 of 29 patients (41.3%) had nausea and vomiting (P< 0.05).
Conclusions: We concluded that injection at the P6 point is an effective prophylaxis for
postoperative nausea and vomiting and therefore a good alternative to conventional antiemetic
treatment.