The Impact of Acupuncture on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Obese Adult Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Objectives: We wanted to research the effect of acupuncture on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in morbidly obese adult patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Design: This prospective randomized controlled study included 62 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III, 18- to 60-year-old morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Patients were assigned using a closed envelope method to both groups equally. Group I consisted of acupuncture and metoclopramide; Group II consisted of metoclopramide. Setting: The study was carried out in Kecioren Educational Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey. Interventions: Acupuncture was performed by needling PC6, LI4 acupoints bilaterally and Yin Tang acupoint in Group I. Metoclopramide was administered as an antiemetic drug in both groups. Measurements: Demographic parameters, SAMBA PONV risk, first analgesic requirement time and PONV of the patients at the recovery 0-1, 1-6, 6-12, and 12-24 hours after operation were recorded. We used the simplified PONV impact scale to determine the intensity of nausea and its effects on the patient. Results: Nausea was observed in 37.5% of patients in Group I and 63.3% of patients in Group II at the recovery. Nausea intensity was not different between the groups at the postoperative 1-6 hours, but vomiting count was found higher in Group II at the postoperative 12-24 hours. Apfel score of the patients were similar between the groups. PONV impact scale was found higher in Group II. First analgesic requirement time was found shorter and demand for additional analgesic treatment was found significantly higher in Group II. Conclusions: Combining acupuncture with antiemetic treatment reduced nausea intensity and vomiting in the postoperative follow-up period. Also, patient's first analgesic demand time was found longer and the requirement for additional analgesic treatment was found lower in the acupuncture group.