Effects of Chinese acupuncture on nausea and vomiting after cholecystectomy: A retrospective study

Table 5 Clinical efficacy indicators and subgroup analysis, mean ± SD/n (%)

Assessment indicators	Acupuncture group (n = 120)	Control group (n = 120)	Statistical value	P value
Symptom severity
PONV VAS score, points	2.7 ± 1.4	4.5 ± 1.8	t = 8.456	< 0.01
Relative improvement	40.0
Mild symptoms (VAS 1-3)	92 (76.5)	42 (35.1)	χ² = 41.832	< 0.01
Time effect analysis
Time to first PONV onset, hours	8.4 ± 2.1	4.2 ± 1.5	t = 17.429	< 0.01
Symptom-free period extension (hours)	4.2
Extension effect	100.0
Symptom-free patients			χ² = 37.842	< 0.01
Symptom-free patients within 6 hours	81 (67.6)	34 (28.1)
Symptom duration analysis
Average duration, hours	2.8 ± 1.6	4.7 ± 2.3	t = 7.321	< 0.01
Reduction rate	40.4
Medication usage
Rescue antiemetic medication usage	22 (18.3)	43 (35.8)	χ² = 9.524	< 0.01
Gender subgroup
Female PONV overall incidence	70/162 (43.2)	70/162 (43.2)	χ² = 6.892	< 0.05
Male PONV overall incidence	21/78 (26.9)	21/78 (26.9)	χ² = 6.892	< 0.05
Efficacy by gender	Significant for both genders	Significant for both genders		< 0.05
Age stratification
≤ 45 years group reduction rate	23.5		F = 4.832	< 0.05
> 45 years group reduction rate	16.8		F = 4.832	< 0.05
Inter-age group difference	Better in ≤ 45 years group		F = 4.832	< 0.05
High-risk patients
High-risk patients (Apfel score ≥ 3)	47 patients	45 patients
PONV incidence in high-risk patients	17/47 (36.2)	28/45 (62.2)	χ² = 6.542	< 0.01
Risk reduction in high-risk patients	41.8
Safety profile
Total mild adverse reactions	7 (5.8)	0 (0)
Mild pain at acupuncture points	4 (3.3)	0 (0)
Minor local bleeding	2 (1.7)	0 (0)
Transient dizziness	1 (0.8)	0 (0)
Resolution	All self-resolved
Serious adverse reactions	None reported	None reported

PONV: Post-operative nausea and vomiting; VAS: Visual analogue scale.