Increasing Access to Auricular Acupuncture for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting.
OBJECTIVE
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affects more than 30% of surgical patients. Auricular acupuncture (AA) has been shown to decrease the incidence of PONV in select populations.


METHODS
An evidence-based quality improvement project made AA available to all adult surgical patients, and the results were recorded in a database. A retrospective between-groups analysis of 210 database entries was conducted, of those 25 receiving AA.


RESULTS
More risk factors for PONV were present in the AA group (P < .001). Both groups experienced a less-than-expected rate of PONV. Similar rates were shown between groups for PONV, postanesthesia care unit length of stay, and opioid consumption. Patient satisfaction was 96% with AA. The AA group was treated with less antiemetic medication (P < .001), yet PONV rates remained similar.


CONCLUSIONS
A multimodal approach treating patients at risk for PONV is recommended. Administration of multiple antiemetics may result in unnecessary cost or unfavorable side effects when effective and less costly alternatives exist. AA is a viable treatment for PONV, considering cost and patient satisfaction.
Chad B
CB
Moore
Anita H
AH
Hickey
D020831:Acupuncture, Ear / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000932:Antiemetics
anesthetic complications; auricular acupuncture; auriculotherapy; postoperative nausea and vomiting