Objective To observe whether acupuncture stimulation of Neiguan(PC 6) can prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV) in patients undergoing craniotomy.Methods A total of 60 patients scheduled for craniotomy were randomly assigned to acupuncture group(n=30) and control group(n=30).When regaining consciousness from the surgical anesthesia

patients of the acupuncture group received immediate acupuncture stimulation of bilateral Neiguan(PC 6).After insertion

the filiform needles were manipulated with uniform reinforcing-reducing method for about 1 min(re-manipulated once again 10 min later)

followed by retaining it for 20 min.Patients of the control group received no treatment.Vomiting or retching(having vomitus) was considered as an emetic episode.Nausea was assessed by a four-point verbal rating scale(none

mild

moderate

severe).Results Following the treatment

in the acupuncture group

1 patient had a vomiting from 0 to 2 h

and 1 patient had a vomiting from 2 to 6 h after the operation

and no patients had this symptom 6 h after the operation.While in the control group

the vomiting occurred in 11 patients from 0 to 2 h

8 cases from 2 to 6 h

and other 8 cases from 6 to 24 h after the operation.Comparison between two groups showed that the nausea scores in the 3 time-stages were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture stimulation of PC 6 is effective in preventing and treating PONV in patients undergonig craniotomy.