Wrist acupuncture point stimulation proves useful in preventing post-op nausea and vomiting

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Wrist acupuncture point stimulation proves useful in preventing post-op

nausea and vomiting

20 Jul 2004

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common complications following

surgery and anaesthesia and can add to the stress of hospital stays. Various

drugs for preventing PONV are available and are used regularly, but are only

partially effective.

Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point is a promising alternative

method. Many trials have been done but these have produced conflicting

findings. A recent systematic review of 26 trials concludes that acupoint

stimulation reduces the risk of both nausea and vomiting. These results, in

combination with the fact that only a few, minor side effects were

experienced, support the use of wrist acupuncture point stimulation to

prevent PONV. There was insufficient evidence to conclude whether wrist

acupuncture point stimulation is as good or better than antiemetic drugs.

As attention is increasingly focused upon more cost-effective methods for

preventing PONV, the results of this review will be of significant

importance.

" If you are at high-risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting, techniques

such as acupuncture and acupressure wristbands are worth considering in

addition to antiemetic drugs, " say the authors of the review.

Review title: Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point P6 for preventing

postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Reviewers: Lee A and Done ML.