Can transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting?

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common perioperative complication that can increase the incidence of complications such as aspiration, bleeding, incision dehiscence water-electrolyte disorders; prolong hospital stays; and increase medical costs. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is important for preventing perioperative PONV, and TEAS may reduce the incidence of PONV by activating the brain-gut axis and regulating autonomic nerve function, anti-inflammatory activity and other mechanisms; however, it is necessary to further promote standardized clinical application through mechanistic research, parameter optimization and high-quality clinical research.‌ This article discusses the risk factors for PONV, the possible mechanism of TEAS in the prevention of PONV and the clinical application of TEAS to provide some reference for the clinical application of TEAS in preventing PONV.