Comparison Between Effects of Acupuncture and Metoclopramide on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Gynaecological Laparoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Gynaecological laparoscopy one ofthe most common operations thatis accompanied by postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). A non-pharmacological method of preventing PONV is acupuncture therapy.

Objectives: This study is conducted to compare the effects of acupuncture and metoclopramide on post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after gynaecological laparoscopy.

Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, clinical trial study,122female, ASA I, aged 19 - 46, who had been referred to the Imam Khomini Hospital (Ahvaz, Iran) and were candidates for gynaecological laparoscopy were enrolled. Eligible patients were randomly allocated into three groups group I (acupuncture; n = 40), group II (metoclopramide 0.2 mg/kg IV; n = 41), and group III (control; n = 41). In group I, acupuncture was done by inserting a special needle at point P6 in front of the elbow immediately after induction of anaesthesia and removing it before extubation and transfer of the patient to the recovery room. The occurrences of nausea and vomiting during the period of stay in the recovery room (one and two hours after surgery) were recorded through questions or clinical observation. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS V. 19, descriptive statistics, and the Chi-square test.

Results: The acupuncture group (11.1%) showed a significant decrease in the incidence of nausea one hour after surgery compared to the metoclopramide group (33.3%) (P = 0.02), but there was no significant difference between the acupuncture and metoclopramide groups in terms of postoperative vomiting (POV) incidence one and two hours after surgery. Incidence of PONV in the acupuncture group (2.7%) was statistically significantly lower than that in the control group (28.5%), two hours after surgery (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Acupuncture is better for controlling nausea after laparoscopic surgery, compared to metoclopramide. Acupuncture is an effective method for reduction of PONV in gynaecological laparoscopy.