# The efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

## TL;DR

This study finds that transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation can help reduce nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery and improve recovery.

## Contribution

This is the first meta-analysis evaluating TEAS as a non-pharmacological treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting.

## Key findings

- TEAS significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
- TEAS decreased the need for rescue antiemetic medication.
- TEAS shortened the time to first flatus after surgery.

## Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication after laparoscopic surgery, which may cause fluid and electrolyte imbalance and delay postoperative recovery. Pharmacological interventions are only partially effective and have adverse effects. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in managing PONV after laparoscopic surgery.

We systematically review Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two investigators independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and bias assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analyses were performed in RevMan 5.4 and heterogeneity was assessed using I2. Outcomes included PONV, postoperative nausea (PON), postoperative vomiting (POV), time to first flatus, and antiemetic rescue requirements.

Nine RCTs involving 2,550 participants (1,272 in the TEAS group and 1,278 in the control group) were analyzed. TEAS significantly reduced PONV incidence [RR = 0.78, 95% CI (0.70, 0.87); P < 0.001], PON incidence [RR = 0.69, 95% CI (0.67, 0.82); P < 0.001] and POV incidence [RR = 0.57, 95% CI (0.43–0.78); P < 0.001]. The intervention shortened the time to first flatus after surgery [MD = −3.36 h, 95% CI (−6.65, −0.21); P = 0.04] and decreased the use for antiemetic rescue medication [RR = 0.67, 95% CI (0.52, 0.87); P = 0.002].

Our findings suggest that TEAS may be an effective adjunctive non-pharmacological treatment for PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. When used in combination with standard antiemetic prophylaxis, TEAS can further reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting, decrease the need for rescue antiemetics, and shorten the time to first flatus, thereby demonstrating significant added value in facilitating postoperative recovery.

identifier [CRD42024560238].