ABSTRACT
We have evaluted the antiemetic effect of P6 acupressure compared with standard doses of commonly used prophylactic antiemetic [ondasetron 4mg i.v.] in the prevention of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We studied Sixty patients requireing general anaethesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. The anaesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia were standardized. Failure of treatment was defined as the occurrence of nausea and /or vomiting within the first 24h after anaesthesia. Data analysis showed that both P[6]acupressure and ondansetron [4mg i.v.] significantly reduced the incidence of nausea and vomiting from 48% to 16% and 19% respectively compared to placebo. Other variables were similar between groups. We conclude that P[6]acupressure is effective, safe procedure and considerably economic in preventing nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy