Electrical stimulation of the vestibular system prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting.
BACKGROUND
Electrical stimulation of the vestibular system may prevent nausea and vomiting. We studied the influence of transcutaneous impulse stimulation in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following gynaecological surgery.


METHODS
In this randomised study 70 women undergoing elective gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia were assigned to receive either the activated (stimulation group) or the inactivated (non-stimulation group) impulse stimulator. The stimulator comprises the stimulator itself, two negative electrodes on a headset applied over both mastoid processes and a nuchal positive electrode. The device yielded a pulse frequency of 5 Hz direct current, individually adjustable between 0.5 and 4 mA. A trapezoid stimulation of 50 ms was applied. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and the amount of antiemetic drugs used were assessed during the first 4 h postoperatively.


RESULTS
Lower postoperative nausea scores with a lower incidence of vomiting and postoperative dizziness were found in the stimulation group. A lower amount of antiemetic drugs was needed in the stimulation group when compared to the non-stimulation group (P<0.01 between groups).


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that electrical stimulation of the vestibular system may be useful in prevention of PONV.
Pusch
F
F
Department of Anaesthesia and General Intensive Care, University of Vienna, Austria. franz.pusch@univie.ac.at
Freitag
H
H
Goll
V
V
Wildling
E
E
Hoerauf
K
K
Obwegeser
R
R
Weinstabl
C
C
D000328:Adult; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000502:physiology*