Acupressure versus antiemetic drugs in prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy

Postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV] is a common complication after laparoscopic surgery. The efficacy of currently available antiemetics remain poor together with their side effects and high cost of newer drugs, this leads to increase interest in non-pharmacological methods of treatment. We have studied the efficacy of acupressure at the P6 point versus two antiemetic drugs in prevention of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopy in double-blind, randomized, controlled study. We studied 160 patients undergoing laparoscopy. The anaesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia were standerized. Failure of treatment was defined as occurrence of nausea and vomiting within the first 24 h. after anesthesia. The acupressure reduced nausea and vomiting from 45.2% to 22.2%, while Ondansetron to 15.9% and Metoclopramide to 26.3% compared with control group.Acupressure at P6 point was effective in prevention of PONV after laparoscopic surgery. However, Ondansetron and Metoclopramide also reduce PONV and hospital stay and costs with early discharge