Effect of Acupressure Technique with Wristband on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patient

• Published in: Kufa Journal for Nursing Sciences Vol. 14; no. 1
• Main Authors: Jasem, Bushra Abd Ali, Dawood, Hussam Abbas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 16.06.2024
• ISSN: 2223-4055; 2521-8638
• DOI: 10.36321/kjns.vi202401.15904

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely recognized as the preferred method for treating gallstone disease. However, like any surgical procedure involving anesthesia, it carries the risk of postoperative complications, including common side effects such as vomiting and nausea. As a result, acupressure treatments targeting the pericardium 6 (P6) point have gained attention in alleviating nausea and vomiting. This non-invasive massage technique has been emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its significance.Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to assess the impact of acupressure treatment at the wristband point (P6) on nausea and vomiting experienced by patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Safer Al Imam Al Hussein Surgical Hospital in Karbala Holy City. Sixty patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided into two groups: 30 patients in the intervention group received acupressure techniques using an elastic wristband postoperatively, which was removed after six hours, while 30 patients in the control group received routine conventional care. Descriptive analysis (e.g., frequency, percentage, and mean score) and inferential analysis (e.g., one-way ANOVA test, independent sample t-test) were employed to examine and measure the study outcomes. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean score for nausea and vomiting in the intervention group decreased significantly from 1.97 ± 0.183 before the intervention to 1.13 ± 0.354 after implementing the intervention (p-value = 0.000). In contrast, the control group did not experience any improvement in their symptoms, with their condition worsening significantly.Conclusion: Patients experiencing nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery may benefit from the non-invasive treatment of wristband acupressure.