The Effects of Preoperative Acupuncture Needle and Capsicum Plaster Applications of Extra 1, Pericardium 6 and Large Intestine 4 Points on Preoperative Anxiety, Postoperative Nausea-Vomiting and Analgesic Consumption

WOS: 000272651300003Objective: The acupuncture points pericardium 6 (P 6), extra I (E 1), and large intestine 4 (Li 4) are known to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting, and to provide sedation and analgesia, respectively. We investigated the effects of preoperative application of acupuncture needle or capsicum plaster on these points on preoperative anxiety, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and analgesic consumption. Material and Methods: Sixty cases undergoing laparoscopic gynecological operations were divided into four groups. The day before the operation, State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was given to all cases. The participants were divided into four groups regarding the preoperative application of the following: dry needle at points P 6, Li 4 and El in group 1; capsicum plaster application at the same points in group II; 0.07 mg kg(-1) midazolam im and plasebo plaster application at different non acupunctural points (sham) in group III and only placebo plaster usage at sham points in group IV. STAI was repeated immediately before the operation. After standard general anesthesia, tramadol was administered with postoperative patient controlled analgesia method. Postoperative visual pain score (VAS), analgesic consumption, and nausea and vomiting were recorded. Results: The decrease in the preoperative day 1 STAI scores compared to immediate preoperative scores in group I and group II was significantly higher than the decrease in group III (p < 0.05). Nausea and vomiting rates were lower in group I and II (p < 0.05). The postoperative analgesic consumption of group I and group IV were lower than that of group 11 and group III (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding VAS scores. Conclusion: Preoperative acupuncture needle and capsicum plaster application at P 6, El, and Li 4 points were found to be effective in reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative nausea and vomiting, but thought to be non effective on postoperative analgesic consumption. Noninvasive capsicum plasters are concluded to be a good alternative method for needles that may cause side effects