Comparing Effects of Two Different Types of Nei-Guan Acupuncture Stimulation Devices in Reducing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting.

Purpose To compare the effects of a relief band using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with a wrist band using acupressure on the Nei-Guan acupuncture point to relieve postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients who had undergone gynecologic surgery. Design A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Methods In total, 54 patients scheduled for gynecologic surgery under general anesthesia were included in this study. Assessments of PONV were performed 0, 2, 6, and 24 hours after discharge from the postanesthesia care unit. The severity of PONV was measured using the Rhodes' Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching and by recording the frequency of patient-requested antiemetic administration that is used to treat severe cases of PONV. Findings The relief band reduced the severity of PONV and the need for antiemetic administration within the first 24 hours postsurgery. Conclusions The results of this study support the use of a relief band when compared with a wrist band and with a control group to reduce PONV in women after gynecologic surgery.