Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Schrick-Senasac, Simon L., Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting. Masters of Science (Clinical Research and Education, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine), May, 2008, 95 pp., 9 tables, 7 illustrations, bibliography, 68 titles. Purpose: Despite advances, no therapy has been able to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This pilot study sought to evaluate the effect of osteopathic manipulation on PONV and to assess the feasibility for reproduction. Methods: Individuals undergoing anesthesia were recruited as subjects. Seventeen subjects completed the study – eight receiving treatment, nine as controls. Nausea and pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores as well as vital signs were collected periodically throughout the study. A post-discharge survey was completed 1 day following treatment. Results: There was no overall reduction of PONV; early emesis was reduced as were 30-minute and peak nausea VAS scores. Additional analysis found pain VAS scores less elevated in treated subjects than controls. This was accompanied by reduced utilization of analgesics following surgery. Conclusions: Incidence of PONV was universally low, likely due to widespread phrophylaxis. Reduction of pain corresponds with research linking manipulation to modulation of neuroendocrine systems. This study demonstrated potential and feasibility for larger reproduction.