The effects of acupressure on postoperative gastrointestinal function and pain in women with hysterectomy: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background: Hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed abdominal surgeries. Postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting are common complications after surgery and anesthesia. Numerous studies have revealed that acupressure can increase postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of acupressure on gastrointestinal function and pain after abdominal hysterectomy. Methods: After undergoing hysterectomy, 39 women were randomized into acupressure (n = 19) and control (n = 20) groups. Women in the acupressure groups received acupressure on the stomach meridian (ST36), heart meridian (HT7), large intestine meridian (LI4), intersection of the spleen, liver with kidney meridians 6 (SP6) and pericardium meridian (PC6) acupoints 30 min after admission to the clinic for a period of 15 min, and acupressure on locations 1–1.5 cm away from these points. The control groups received standard treatment. Patient information, visual analog scale scores, the Rhodes Index of Nausea, vomiting with retching, and daily follow-up data were collected. Results: The nausea and vomiting with retching experience scores in the acupressure-treated group were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). After acupressure, the gas output from stool formation of the participants in the acupressure groups was significantly greater than that of the participants in the control group (p < 0.001). The intensity of pain decreased significantly in the acupressure group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of these trials indicated that acupressure is an effective method for reducing pain, nausea, vomiting, and recovery of vital signs.