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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
05:56

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Published on: June 21, 2024

Prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting in children--a prospective randomized double-blind study

G Sakellaris1, P Georgogianaki, E Astyrakaki

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Heraklio, Greece. gsakell@mycosmos.gr

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|May 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study found that ondansetron did not significantly alter the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in children. Avoiding opioids and ensuring adequate analgesia may be key factors in managing PONV.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Surgical Complications

Background:

  • Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent complications following surgery and anesthesia.
  • Sevoflurane is commonly used for anesthesia induction and maintenance in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of ondansetron on the incidence of PONV in children undergoing specific surgical procedures.
  • To determine if sevoflurane, with or without ondansetron, affects PONV rates in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized study involving 110 children (2 months to 14 years) undergoing inguinal hernia, hypospadias, or penile deformity repair.
  • Participants received either sevoflurane anesthesia with ondansetron or a placebo, alongside regional anesthesia and no opioids.
  • Post-operative PONV was assessed every 4 hours for 24 hours.

Main Results:

  • The overall incidence of vomiting was low (7.3%) across both groups.
  • No statistically significant difference in the incidence of post-operative nausea or vomiting was observed between the ondansetron and placebo groups.
  • Fisher's exact test confirmed the lack of statistical significance (p = 0.296 for nausea, p = 0.462 for vomiting).

Conclusions:

  • Ondansetron administration did not significantly alter PONV rates in this pediatric cohort.
  • The avoidance of opioids and effective analgesia likely contributed to the low incidence of PONV.
  • Early oral fluid intake (within 4 hours post-operatively) was identified as a potential risk factor for PONV.
Abstract

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