Intraoperative Multipoint Acupuncture for Reducing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in High-Risk Children: A Case...

Acupuncture studies have demonstrated varying effects on pediatric postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Unanswered questions include whether the type of therapy, number of points used, or timing of treatments vary the effect of acupuncture. We present a case series of intraoperative multipoint acupuncture treatments for high-risk pediatric patients. Fourteen patients were included, and 19 treatments were provided. Twelve patients (85.7%) had previous PONV. Patients who received intraoperative acupunctur e reported no early phase PONV, and 3 patients (15.8%) reported late-phase PONV. One patient required postoperative antiemetics. Intraoperative multipoint acupuncture may be a safe and efficacious adjunct for PONV in high-risk pediatric patients.