Effectiveness of Intraoperative Laser Acupuncture Combined with Antiemetic Drugs for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Abstract

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative laser acupuncture stimulation of Pericardium 6 (PC6) and Large Intestine 4 (LI4) acupoints combined with antiemetic drug prophylaxis on PONV. Methods: A total of 88 patients, scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were assigned into 2 groups. Group I received bilateral laser acupuncture on PC6 and LI4 acupoints after induction of anesthesia and also received antiemetic drug (metoclopramide) prophylaxis. Patients in Group II received only antiemetic drug prophylaxis. Nausea and vomiting frequencies and need for rescue antiemetic drug (ondansetron) were recorded after extubation, at 30th minute at recovery room and at 6th hour at ward. Results: The incidence of nausea and rescue antiemetic drug need was higher at postoperative 6th hour in Group II. Vomiting was not different in groups at any time. Conclusion: Intraoperative laser acupuncture stimulation of PC6 and LI4 acupoints combined with antiemetic drug prophylaxis decreases nausea and rescue antiemetic drug need in late postoperative period in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.