Comparative Effects of the Stimulation of BL10, BL11, and GB34 Acupuncture Points with P6 Point using a Low-Level Laser on the Prevention of Vomiting after Strabismus Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Vomiting is acommonact after strabismus surgery. Three points (BL10, BL11, GB34) belong to the eye’s energy channels and may be more effective in vomiting after strabismus surgery compared to P6 point. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effects of stimulation of BL10, BL11, and GB34 acupuncture points with point P6 via the use of a low-level laser in the prevention of vomiting after strabismus surgery. Methods: The present study used a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial design. The participating samples of this study were 63 strabismus surgery candidates with ASA I physical status, aged from 3 to 35 years who admitted to a university-affiliated hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, and were. The patients were randomly divided into three groups (21 patients in each group): Group I (laser acupuncture P6), group II (laser acupuncture BL10, BL11, GB34), and group III (control). Laser stimulation was performed on acupuncture points (P6 & BL10, BL11, GB34) for 60 seconds and 15 minutes before anesthesia induction and 15 minutes after arrival in the PACU. Group III (control) received placebo (laser off) stimulation on sham point. The number of vomits occurred 2, 6, and 24 hours after the surgery was recorded. Results: Significant statistical differences were not observed in the number of vomiting after 6 hours among the three groups (P = 0.01). On the other hand, significant statistical differences were found between P6 point and placebo groups in terms of the mean value of vomiting 2 and 24 hours after the surgery (P = 0.03). However, no significant statistical differences were observed between P6 and BL10 groups at any time of the study. Conclusions: Based on the findings, laser acupuncture of P6 point reduced the incidence of vomiting after strabismus surgery. Also, laser acupuncture of BL10, BL11, and GB34 points showed no significant differences in terms of the incidence of PONV when compared to P6 point. P6 point was the most effective point in controlling the incidence of PONV.