October 27, 2004 – Electropuncture is said to be more effective than conventional medication in preventing postoperative nausea, even up to 24 hours after surgery.
This is what the results of a study reveal1 conducted at Duke University Medical Center with 75 women. These have all had major breast surgery, either mastectomy or breast augmentation or reduction.
Derived from acupuncture, electropuncture is a technique using conductive platelets and electric currents of varying intensity to stimulate acupuncture points. It is particularly used with people whose treatment requires prolonged stimulation as well as with children.
As part of the study, the researchers compared the preventive effect of electropuncture, the drug Zofran and placebo treatment on the onset of postoperative nausea and vomiting. To do this, they randomly separated the patients into three distinct groups.
Two hours after surgery, 77% of the women in the group treated with electropuncture had no nausea or vomiting, compared to 64% in those in the Zofran group and 42% in the placebo group. Twenty-four hours after the operation, these rates reached 73%, 52% and 38%, respectively.
According to the researchers, not only did electropuncture demonstrate superior benefits in preventing nausea, it was the approach that provided greater overall well-being in patients.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
According to United Press International.
1. Gan TJ, Jiao KR, Zenn M, Georgiade G, A randomized controlled comparison of electro-acupoint stimulation or ondansetron versus placebo for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, Anesthesia and Analgesia, October 2004, Vol. 99, No. 4, 1070-5.
