title: Acupressure at acupoint P6 for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a randomised clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Postoperative nausea and vomiting causes discomfort in many patients despite both antiemetic prophylactics and improved anaesthetic techniques. Stimulation of acupoint P6 is described as an alternative method for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting.In a randomised, double-blinded study, we aimed to investigate the effect of P6 acupoint stimulation on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting within 24 h postoperatively with an acupressure wristband: Vital-Band.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and thirty-four healthy, non-smoking women scheduled for breast surgery were randomised either to P6 stimulation or to sham control. Wristbands were applied and covered with a dressing before induction of anaesthesia. Follow-up was carried out three times within 24 h postoperatively. Primary outcomes were postoperative nausea and/or vomiting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and twelve patients completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of nausea [P6 stimulation, 35.1% (95% confidence interval, CI 22.7-47.5%) versus sham control, 43.1% (95% CI 29.5-56.7%; P = 0.433)] or vomiting [P6 stimulation, 25.9% (95% CI 14.6-37.2%) versus sham control, 26.9% (95% CI 14.8-39.0%; P = 1.000)]. Approximately, one third of the patients reported side effects caused by the wristband, for example, redness, swelling and tenderness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We did not find the Vital-Band effective in preventing either nausea or vomiting after operation in women undergoing breast surgery.
authors.affiliation: Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark. Birmaj01@heh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: Birgitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Majholm
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Møller
mesh_terms: D019050:Acupressure / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000517:prevention & control; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control*