ACUPUNCTURE AS AN ANTI-EMETIC IN MINOR GYNAECOLOGICAL SURGERY

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Complementary Medicine
• Surgical Nursing

Background:

• Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common complications after gynecological surgery.
• Current anti-emetic strategies have limitations and side effects.
• Exploring novel preventive measures for PONV is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as an anti-emetic intervention.
• To assess the impact of acupuncture at point P6 on PONV incidence.
• To determine acupuncture's potential role in managing postoperative emesis.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving 100 patients undergoing minor gynecological surgery.
• Study group (n=50) received acupuncture at point P6 pre-anesthesia.
• Control group (n=50) received no acupuncture; anesthesia was standardized.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture significantly reduced emetic episodes: 10% in the acupuncture group vs. 40% in the control group.
• Acupuncture at P6 demonstrated a strong anti-emetic effect.
• The incidence of nausea and vomiting was substantially lower with acupuncture.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture at point P6 is effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting.
• Acupuncture represents a promising non-pharmacological anti-emetic modality.
• Further research into acupuncture's anti-emetic applications is recommended.