A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of P6 Acupoint Stimulation Versus Ondansetron for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common and distressing problems after anaesthesia and surgery. 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron is widely used for PONV prophylaxis. P6 acupoint stimulation, a non-pharmacological technique is a simple, inexpensive, and effective method for prevention of PONV. We compared the efficacy of P6 acupoint stimulation against monotherapy with intravenous ondansetron for prophylaxis of PONV. METHODS One hundred American Society of Anaesthesiologists-I or II patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, scheduled for thyroidectomy under general anaesthesia were included in this prospective, randomised, double-blind study. The patients were randomised into two groups: Group A (acupuncture) and Group O (ondansetron). PONV was assessed in two epochs of 0-6 and 6-24 hrs. Primary outcome measure was incidence of PONV and secondary outcome measures were severity of PONV, need for rescue antiemetic, overall patient satisfaction, and side effects to either intervention. Outcome was compared using Mann-Whitney U-test or chi-square test as applicable. RESULTS Data of 100 patients were analysed. The incidence of PONV was similar during the 24 hrs. period in both groups. Complete response was seen in 82% of patients in both groups in the first 6 hrs. and in 98% in the late postoperative period. There was no difference in the requirement of rescue antiemetic or severity of PONV between the groups. Over all patient satisfaction was comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION P6 acupoint stimulation is safe, inexpensive, and equally effective as monotherapy with intravenous ondansetron in preventing PONV.