Despite the development of effective antiemetic drugs, nausea and vomiting
remain the main side effects associated with cancer chemotherapy. The purpose
of this study was to examine the effect of acupressure on emesis control in
postoperative gastric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Forty
postoperative gastric cancer patients receiving the first cycle of chemotherapy
with cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil were divided into control and intervention
groups (n = 20 each). Both groups received regular antiemesis medication;
however, the intervention group received acupressure training and was
instructed to perform the finger acupressure maneuver for 5 minutes on P6
(Nei-Guan) point located at 3-finger widths up from the first palmar crease,
between palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons point, at least 3 times
a day before chemotherapy and mealtimes or based on their needs. Both groups
received equally frequent nursing visits and consultations, and reported nausea
and vomiting using Rhode’s Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching. We found
significant differences between intervention and control groups in the severity of
nausea and vomiting, the duration of nausea, and frequency of vomiting. This
study suggests that acupressure on P6 point appears to be an effective adjunct
maneuver in the course of emesis control