Auricular acupressure in relieving PONV and promoting gastrointestinal function recovery in females after bariatric surgery: study protocol for a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is up to 80% in China, and the current antiemetic means is mainly the use of antiemetics. This is a randomized, controlled, single-blind study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of auricular acupressure (AA) after LSG. Methods A multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blind, superiority trial (RCT) was designed, and the relevant ethics committee approved the trial protocol. This study used AA as the experimental group and the control group act as a blank group. The primary evaluation index was the INVR score. The secondary indexes were time to first postoperative bed release, time to first anal defecation and time to return to fluid intake after surgery. A total of one hundred patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly grouped, and baseline measurements and outcome indicators were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Discussion This trial is a standardized, scientific clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of AA on the degree of relief of nausea and vomiting and recovery of gastrointestinal function after LSG. We expect the study to provide a basis for promoting this therapy in clinical practice. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100047381, registered on 13 June 2021.http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=49359