Effect of P-6 acupressure on prevention of nausea and vomiting after epidural morphine for post-cesarean section pain relief.
BACKGROUND
Nausea and vomiting are important side effects following administration of epidural morphine for post-Cesarean section pain relief. Stimulation of the P-6 (Neiguan) acupoint is a traditional Chinese acupuncture modality used for antiemetic purpose; it has been found to be effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiemetic effect of P-6 acupressure in parturients given epidural morphine for post-Cesarean section pain relief.


METHODS
In a randomized, double-blind and controlled trial, sixty parturients receiving epidural morphine for post-Cesarean section pain relief were investigated. Parturients were allocated to receive the acupressure bands or placebo bands on the P-6 acupoint bilaterally before the administration of spinal anesthesia and were observed over a 48-hour study period.


RESULTS
The incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly decreased from 43% and 27% in the control group, to 3% and 0% in the acupressure group, respectively (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate that prophylactic use of acupressure bands bilaterally on the P-6 acupoint can significantly reduce incidence of nausea and vomiting after epidural morphine for post-Cesarean section pain relief.
Ho
C M
CM
Department of Anesthesiology, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Hseu
S S
SS
Tsai
S K
SK
Lee
T Y
TY
D019050:Acupressure; D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009020:Morphine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009325:Nausea / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010919:Placebos; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014839:Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D010919:Placebos; D009020:Morphine