Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Study Objective To examine the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Design Randomized, prospective, controlled study. Setting Gazi University Medical School Hospital. Patients 40 ASA physical status I-II patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Interventions Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group I received TENS (stimulation group), whereas group II served as the control group (nonstimulation group). In group I, one electrode was applied to the hairless skin on the neck as anode, and the other 2 (electrodes) were applied to the mastoid area. The stimulator at a frequency of 5 Hz, 50 milliseconds, with a current density of 0.5 to 4 mA was applied on the trapezoid area for 6 hours to all patients postoperatively. Measurements All patients in both groups were evaluated for side effects, antiemetic effects, and analgesic and antiemetic need for 24 hours. Main Results Postoperative nausea and vomiting, frequency of dizziness, additional antiemetic and analgesic need, and PONV scores were lower in group I than group II. Conclusions Electrical stimulation of the vestibular system may be useful in the prevention of PONV.