[A randomized controlled clinical trial for acupuncture stimulation of Neiguan (PC 6) to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting]

Abstract

Objective: To observe whether acupuncture stimulation of Neiguan (PC 6) can prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing craniotomy.

Methods: A total of 60 patients scheduled for craniotomy were randomly assigned to acupuncture group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). When regaining consciousness from the surgical anesthesia, patients of the acupuncture group received immediate acupuncture stimulation of bilateral Neiguan (PC 6). After insertion, the filiform needles were manipulated with uniform reinforcing-reducing method for about 1 min (re-manipulated once again 10 min later), followed by retaining it for 20 min. Patients of the control group received no treatment. Vomiting or retching (having vomitus) was considered as an emetic episode. Nausea was assessed by a four-point verbal rating scale (none, mild, moderate, severe).

Results: Following the treatment, in the acupuncture group, 1 patient had a vomiting from 0 to 2 h, and 1 patient had a vomiting from 2 to 6 h after the operation, and no patients had this symptom 6 h after the operation. While in the control group, the vomiting occurred in 11 patients from 0 to 2 h, 8 cases from 2 to 6 h, and other 8 cases from 6 to 24 h after the operation. Comparison between two groups showed that the nausea scores in the 3 time-stages were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Acupuncture stimulation of PC 6 is effective in preventing and treating PONV in patients undergoing craniotomy.