Comparing Effects of Two Different Types of Nei-Guan Acupuncture Stimulation Devices in Reducing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effects of a relief band using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with a wrist band using acupressure on the Nei-Guan acupuncture point to relieve postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONY) in patients who had undergone gynecologic surgery. Design: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Methods: In total, 54 patients scheduled for gynecologic surgery under general anesthesia were included in this study. Assessments of PONV were performed 0, 2, 6, and 24 hours after discharge from the postanes-thesia care unit. The severity of PONV was measured using the Rhodes' Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching and by recording the frequency of patient-requested antiemetic administration that is used to treat severe cases of PONV. Findings: The relief band reduced the severity of PONV and the need for antiemetic administration within the first 24 hours postsurgery. Conclusions: The results of this study support the use of a relief band when compared with a wrist band and with a control group to reduce PONV in women after gynecologic surgery.