Electric acupoint stimulation may curb Post-Surgery nausea without drugs
NCT ID NCT03187535
First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates whether transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS), a needleless form of electroacupuncture, can lower the chance of nausea and vomiting after spinal surgery. About 72 adults undergoing elective spinal surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either TEAS or a sham treatment (patches with no electrical stimulation). Researchers will track how many participants experience nausea or vomiting and how severe it is, as well as the need for rescue anti-nausea medication.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) via ES-130 device
- What this could lead to
- If effective, TEAS could offer a drug-free way to reduce post-surgery nausea and vomiting, potentially decreasing the need for anti-nausea medications.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 72 participants, so results may not apply to all surgeries or patients. The effect may be modest or no better than placebo.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 72 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Aug 2018
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female patients , 18 or older * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I or II or III * Undergoing elective spinal surgery expected to last no more than four hours (from induction of anesthesia to extubation). * Capable and willing to consent Exclusion Criteria: * Neuraxial (intrathecal or epidural) block * Significant ongoing history of vestibular disease or dizziness * Nausea or vomiting within 24 hours prior to surgery, use of antiemetic or emetogenic drugs within 3 days of surgery * Documented alcohol or substance abuse within 3 months before the surgery * Limb abnormalities such as burn and amputation. * Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (fasting plasma glucose \>126 mg/dL or \<70 mg/dL) * Implantation of metal/electrical devices, such as nerve stimulator, cardiac pacemaker, cardioverter, defibrillator and internal hearing aids * Rash, local infection, keloid, any dermatologic condition that could interfere with the acupoint stimulation area * Documented alcohol or substance abuse within 3 months before surgery * Presence of clinically diagnosed major psychiatric condition such as bipolar disorder, uncontrolled major depression, or schizophrenia * Chemotherapy or radiation therapy within 7 days before surgery * Investigational product use within 3 months prior surgery * Any condition, which in the opinion of the investigator would make subject ineligible for participation in the study (history of unstable cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, seizures) * Special population (prisoners, pregnant and lactating women)
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PONV are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
RECRUITINGColumbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can skipping opioids during anesthesia prevent Post-Surgery nausea?
- Can we predict who gets nausea after nasal surgery?
- Knee surgery patients may skip hospital stay with anti-nausea drug
- Simple lidocaine trick may stop Post-Surgery sickness in obese patients
- Can a simple drug stop Post-Surgery sickness? new study investigates
- Pain block showdown: one side or two for gallbladder surgery?