Can transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting?

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Gastroenterology
• Neurology

Background:

• Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a frequent complication impacting patient recovery and healthcare costs.
• PONV can lead to serious issues like aspiration, bleeding, and prolonged hospital stays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review risk factors for PONV.
• To explore the mechanisms by which TEAS may prevent PONV.
• To discuss the clinical application of TEAS for PONV prevention.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of risk factors for PONV.
• Discussion of proposed mechanisms of TEAS in PONV prevention (e.g., brain-gut axis, autonomic nerve function).
• Analysis of current clinical applications and research needs for TEAS in PONV.

Main Results:

• TEAS shows promise in reducing PONV incidence.
• Potential mechanisms include modulation of the brain-gut axis and autonomic nervous system.
• Standardized application requires further mechanistic and clinical research.

Conclusions:

• TEAS is a viable strategy for perioperative PONV prevention.
• Optimizing parameters and conducting high-quality clinical trials are crucial for widespread adoption.
• Further research will enhance the standardized clinical use of TEAS for PONV.