Acupuncture and Nausea/Vomiting in Pediatric Patients

Is Intra-operative Acupuncture at P6 Plus IV Antiemetics More Effective Than IV Antiemetic Therapy Alone in Preventing Postoperative Vomiting in Pediatric Patients Following Tonsillectomy With or Without Adenoidectomy?

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of intraoperative P6 acupuncture plus standard therapy on postoperative nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. 200 children will be randomly assigned to either the treatment or the control group.

1. Treatment Group: Standard anti-emetic therapy plus bilateral P6 acupuncture after the induction of anesthesia
2. Control Group: Standard anti-emetic therapy only

This study will monitor nausea, retching, and vomiting events both directly after the surgery as well as the next day via a follow-up phone call to the parents of the study participant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ASA 1 to 3 physical status
• Undergoing Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy
• Consent obtained from Parent/Guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

• Taking preoperative steroids, including inhalers
• Taking baseline anti-emetics
• History of motion sickness
• BMI > 35 (morbid obesity)
• Severe OSA (Apnea/hypopnea Index > 10)
• Have genetic abnormalities