Intraoperative Multipoint Acupuncture for Reducing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in High-Risk Children: A Case Series

Clinical application of electroacupuncture in enhanced recovery after surgery

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is currently the recommended surgical strategy, the main content of which is to reduce perioperative stress response and postoperative complications through perioperative multimodal analgesia and intensive surgery. Since ERAS was introduced, many rehabilitation medicine teams have been deeply involved, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition therapy and psychological counseling. However, ERAS lacks several powerful means to address perioperative prognostic issues. Therefore, how to further improve the effects of ERAS, reduce perioperative complications and protect vital organ functions has become an urgent problem. With the continuous development of traditional Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture (EA) has been widely used in various clinical applications, and its efficacy and safety have been fully proved. Recent studies have shown that the application of EA in ERAS has had an important impact on rehabilitation researches. In terms of reducing complications, the therapeutic effects of EA treatment mainly include: reducing pain and the use of analgesics; Improvement of postoperative nausea and vomiting; Postoperative immune function treatment; Relieve anxiety and depression. In addition, EA also protects the recovery of physiological functions, including cardiovascular function, cerebrovascular function and gastrointestinal function, etc. To sum up, the complementary strengths of EA and ERAS will allow them to develop and combine. This review discusses the potential value and feasibility of EA in ERAS from the aspects of improving perioperative efficacy and protecting organ functions.

The effectiveness of PC6 acupuncture in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A growing number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in preventing and treating postoperative nausea and vomiting. Here, we used meta-analysis to confirm these benefits in children and to determine the optimal time to perform this treatment.

METHODS

Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Chinese Database of Biology and Medicine) were searched from inception until January 16, 2019. We included randomized controlled trials for evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting during the early stage (0-4 hours) and within 24 hours postoperatively in pediatrics. Control groups received standardized care control or standardized care combined with sham control.

RESULTS

Sixteen literatures and 1773 patients undergoing general anesthesia were included in the study. The results indicated that acupuncture was effective in reducing postoperative vomiting, both during the first 4 hours (RR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.26, 0.84; low quality) and within 24 hours postoperatively (RR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.60, 0.91; low quality). Stratifying by the timing of acupuncture, acupuncture was effective in reducing the first 4 hours (RR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.18, 0.64; moderate quality), and 0-24 hours postoperative vomiting (RR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.70, 0.93; moderate quality) when performed before and during anesthesia, respectively. Further, the RR value was more robust when acupuncture was performed before anesthesia. Acupuncture was also effective in treating 0-24 hours postoperative nausea (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.60, 0.88; moderate quality) and in reducing the utilization of remedies during the first 4 hours (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.45, 0.89; moderate quality).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting as well as the utilization of antiemetic remedies, particularly during the first 4 hours following the operation. Acupuncture performed before anesthesia was demonstrated to be the most ideal intervention time for children.