Acupressure PONV
Abstract
Introduction
Postoperative nausea and vomiting in children remain a significant problem. Acupressure to P6 acupoint has been one of the effective strategies in the management of nausea and vomiting in the adult population. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of P6 acupressure band in prevention of PONV in children.
Methods
This prospective randomized controlled trial recruited children who underwent elective surgery in a tertiary university hospital. Patients were randomised into 2 groups, Group 1 received acupressure band and group 2 received a standard elastic band 30 minutes prior to induction of anaesthesia. The acupressure band was worn with its embedded bead placed at P6 acupoint. All patients received standard care of anaesthesia. Occurrence of nausea and vomiting post-surgery were recorded hourly until 24 hours and band were removed after 24hours.
Results
Sixty four patients were recruited. Median Eberhart PONV risk score of 2 in both groups corresponded to a 20% risk of PONV. Duration of surgery and opioid requirement intraoperatively were comparable between the two groups. Both groups did not show a significant difference in occurrence of PONV and the requirement of rescue antiemetics postoperatively. Parental satisfaction on management of PONV in Group 1 and 2 were achieved at 89.4% and 94.2% respectively.
Conclusion
Acupressure band at p6 acupoint is not superior to placebo in management of PONV in children.
