P6 Point Acupressure versus Ondansteron in Prevention of Carboprost-induced Nausea and Vomiting

Context: Perioperative nausea and vomiting is an important clinical problem that occurs in a group of patients requiring carboprost during cesarean section. Apart from pharmacological measures, other modalities have also been introduced to decrease the incidence. Aims: Our study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of acupressure and ondansetron in the prevention of nausea and vomiting following the use of carboprost. Settings and Design: This was a prospective randomized controlled study. Methods and Materials: One hundred patients scheduled for elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups of 50 each to receive either acupressure (Group A) or injection ondansetron (Group O) 0.1 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.) immediately after spinal anesthesia. Injection carboprost 250 mu g was given intramuscularly in both groups after delivery of the anterior shoulder. Incidences of nausea and vomiting were observed intraoperatively and postoperatively for 2 h. Statistical Analysis Used: Standard qualitative and quantitative tests were used to compare data. A value of P = 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 11 patients had nausea, of whom 7 were in Group O and 4 patients were in Group A (P = 0.350). In total, six patients had nausea and vomiting, of whom four were in Group O and two were in Group A (P = 0.424). No statistical difference was observed between two groups in the incidences of nausea and vomiting. However, the incidence rates were low in Group A as compared to Group O. Conclusion: P6 point acupressure is as effective and comparable as ondansetron in the prevention of carboprost-induced nausea and vomiting.