CompletedNot Applicable

Acupuncture for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery

South Korea60 participantsStarted 2015-07

Plain-language summary

Background: PONV is one of the prevalent discomforts in the early phase of recovery after surgery. Evidence suggests that the stimulation of the P6 acupuncture point can reduce the occurrence of PONV. What remains unclear is whether a higher dose of acupuncture produces more benefits compared with P6 stimulation alone or whether acupuncture combined with standard antiemetic medication yields better outcomes. Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of intensive acupuncture treatments combined with standard antiemetic medication as compared with P6 acupoint stimulation combined with standard antiemetic medication or with standard antiemetic medication alone.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery of colorectal cancer resection (right hemicolectomy, left hemicolectomy, anterior resection with primary anastomosis, and low anterior resection with loop ileostomy for fecal diversion) * Patients aged 18 to 80 * American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade 1 to 2 * Written informed consents Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Inflammatory bowel disease * Comorbidities that may affect outcomes of surgery (e.g., chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, cardiopulmonary failure, and diabetes with complications) * Use of emetogenic / antiemetic medication within 24 hours before surgery * Previous history of emetic episodes after administration of antibiotics * Expected use of mechanical ventilation * Cognitive impairment that may affect the patient's ability to complete the outcome assessments * Previous history of stroke * Previous history of sensitive reaction to acupuncture * Patients unable to cooperate with acupuncture treatments * Pacemaker implantation * Previous history of epilepsy * Patients who have received Korean medicine treatments (acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, or herbal medicine) within 2 weeks * Patients who have participated in other trials within 3 months

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Number of patients who experience moderate or severe level nausea or vomiting

Timeframe: at 24 hours after surgery

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02509143

SponsorPusan National University Yangsan Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-11

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting trials