Effect of acupuncture on nausea and/or vomiting during and after cesarean section in comparison with ondansetron

Acupuncture has been used for the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study compared the effect of electrical acustimulation with ondansetron for preventing intraoperative and postoperative emetic symptoms and improving patient satisfaction.

After gaining ethical approval, 450 parturients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were randomly allocated to receive either electrical stimulation using P6 acupoint (pericardium 6) bilaterally for 30 min before spinal anesthesia (group III; n = 150), or 4 mg ondansetron 30 min before spinal anesthesia (group II; n = 150), or placebo (group II; n = 150). Nausea and vomiting were evaluated and recorded intraoperatively and postoperative for 24 h by an independent anesthetist.

The three groups were not significantly different with respect to intraoperative ephedrine dose and duration of surgery. Nausea and vomiting occurred statistically significantly less often in the active treatment groups (II, III) during operation and for 6 h postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the incidence of nausea and vomiting from 6 to 24 h postoperatively. Patient satisfaction with PONV control was higher with the active treatment groups compared with group I.

Electrical acustimulation is comparable to ondansetron in prevention of PONV during and after cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia and in improving patient satisfaction.