Research: HO and co-workers,

Listed in Issue 136

Abstract

HO and co-workers, Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, cmho@vghtpe.gov.tw, have found that acupressure does not work for treating the nausea induced by
anaesthetics during Caesarean delivery.

Background

Nausea and vomiting are major adverse effects during spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean delivery. Stimulation of the P6 (Neiguan) acupoint is a traditional Chinese acupuncture technique used for effective antiemetic purposes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiemetic effect of P6 acupressure in women giving birth during spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean delivery.

Methodology

In a randomized, double-blind, controlled design, 110 parturients scheduled for elective Caesarean delivery were enrolled in the study. 30 minutes before initiation of spinal anaesthesia, parturients were randomized to acupressure bands or placebo bands bilaterally on the P6 acupoint. Nausea and vomiting were observed over the study period.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in maternal characteristics. Incidence rates for intraoperative nausea were 64% (acupressure group) and 71% (control group) (p = 0.416), with an incidence of intraoperative vomiting of 22% (acupressure group) and 27% (control group) (p = 0.506).

Conclusion

The results suggest that prophylactic use of acupressure bands bilaterally on the P6 acupoint failed to prevent nausea and vomiting during spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean delivery.

References

Ho CM, Tsai HJ, Chan KH., Tsai SK. P6 acupressure does not prevent emesis during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Anesthesia & Analgesia 102 (3): 900-903, Mar 2006.

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