Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Triple Antiemetic Drugs for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in High-Risk Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with triple antiemetic drugs to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in female patients at high risk undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery. This trial aims to determine if adding TEAS to a standard triple-drug antiemetic regimen reduces the incidence of PONV more than the drugs alone. The study involves 780 women aged 18 to 65 years with specific risk factors for PONV. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the TEAS group or a control group receiving sham stimulation. In the TEAS group, electrical stimulation is applied to specific acupoints on the upper limbs starting 30 minutes before anesthesia induction and continued until discharge from the operating room. Both groups receive the same triple antiemetic drug regimen including dexamethasone, palonosetron, and droperidol, with rescue metoclopramide if needed. The control group receives minimal current stimulation for one minute to maintain blinding. During the study, trained anesthesiologists blinded to group assignments will collect data on nausea, retching, and vomiting episodes at 2, 6, and 24 hours post-operation, with additional follow-up up to 48 hours. The primary outcome is the number of participants experiencing these symptoms within 24 hours. Safety and treatment effects will be monitored throughout the hospital stay, with assessments continuing until discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit.

TEAS Combined With Triple Antiemetic Drugs to Prevent PONV in High-Risk Patients