Effect of single or multi-period use of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery: a prospective randomized double-blind trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of different periods for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS).DesignProspective, randomized, double-blind trial.SettingAn academic medical canter specializing in the care of women and children.Population or sampleA total of 120 women were enrolled.MethodsPatients were randomly allocated to three groups: a single-period TEAS group (Group S, n = 40), a multi-period TEAS group (Group M, n = 40) and a non-stimulation control group (Group C, n = 40). TEAS was applied at specific acupuncture points preoperatively and postoperatively.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the incidence and severity of PONV during the 48 h after surgery and the secondary outcomes included pain, early recovery after surgery, and complication.ResultsWithin postoperative 0-2 h, 4-12 h, group M had less frequency and lower scores for nausea compared with group C and group S had only less frequency of nausea compared with group C at 4-12 h postoperatively. The frequency and severity of vomiting for group M were less than group S in the postoperative 2-4 h. Group M mitigated pain and reduced the rescue antiemetic compared to group S.ConclusionMultiple-period TEAS provides greater efficacy and a longer duration of action than single-period TEAS. It effectively reduces PONV in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery which could be a new option in multimodal prophylactic antiemetic regimes for perioperative undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trials Registry, No. ChiCTR2200065802, Registered 15/11/2022. https//www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit? pid=175,377.