Electrical stimulation of the vestibular system prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting

Background: Electrical stimulation of the vestibular system may prevent nau sea and vomiting. We studied the influence of transcutaneous impulse stimul ation in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following g ynaecological surgery. Methods: In this randomised study 70 women undergoing elective gynaecologic al surgery under general anaesthesia were assigned to receive either the ac tivated (stimulation group) or the inactivated (non-stimulation group) impu lse stimulator. The stimulator comprises the stimulator itself, two negativ e electrodes on a headset applied over both mastoid processes and a nuchal positive electrode. The device yielded a pulse frequency of 5 Hz direct cur rent, individually adjustable between 0.5 and 4 mA. A trapezoid stimulation of 50 ms was applied. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and the amount of antiem etic drugs used were assessed during the first 4 h postoperatively. Results: Lower postoperative nausea scores with a lower incidence of vomiti ng and postoperative dizziness were found in the stimulation group. A lower amount of antiemetic drugs was needed in the stimulation group when compar ed to the nonstimulation group (P<0.01 between groups). Conclusion: This study suggests that electrical stimulation of the vestibul ar system may be useful in prevention of PONV.