Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).


METHODS
Randomized, prospective, controlled study.


METHODS
Gazi University Medical School Hospital.


METHODS
40 ASA physical status I-II patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
All patients in both groups were evaluated for side effects, antiemetic effects, and analgesic and antiemetic need for 24 hours.


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.
Cekmen
Nedim
N
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara 06500, Turkey. nedimcekmen@yahoo.com
Salman
Bülent
B
Keles
Zelal
Z
Aslan
Mustafa
M
Akcabay
Mehmet
M
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008787:Metoclopramide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects
D000932:Antiemetics; D008787:Metoclopramide