Comparative efficacy and safety of p6 acupressure versus ondansetron in preventing nausea and vomitingafter laparoscopic cholecystectomy

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