Loading…

A combination of electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture for postoperative pain after abdominal surgery for gynaecological diseases: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUNDPostoperative pain following laparotomy for gynaecological diseases is a common problem that requires effective management to ensure patient satisfaction and recovery. Despite the wide use of acupuncture for pain management, knowledge of its efficacy in managing postoperative pain is limit...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Phytomedicine (Stuttgart) 2022-09, Vol.104, p.154292-154292, Article 154292
Main Authors: Lam, Wing Lok, Wang, Jingxuan, Yeung, Wing Fai, Cheung, Chi Wai, Chan, Karen Kar Loen, Ngan, Hextan Yuen Sheung, Wong, Carlos King Ho, Jiang, Fei, Ma, Paulin Wai Sze, Leung, Tsin Wah, Leung, Wing Cheong, Liu, Tak Chiu, Chen, Haiyong, Lao, Lixing
Format: Article
Language:English
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:BACKGROUNDPostoperative pain following laparotomy for gynaecological diseases is a common problem that requires effective management to ensure patient satisfaction and recovery. Despite the wide use of acupuncture for pain management, knowledge of its efficacy in managing postoperative pain is limited. Previous literature used either acupuncture or auricular acupuncture alone. However, the combined use of acupuncture and auricular acupuncture have not been studied yet. PURPOSEThis study examined the efficacy and feasibility of combined electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture compared to a sham control in reducing pain during 5 days after a laparotomy for gynaecological diseases. This combined therapy was hypothesized to provide greater pain reduction than previous studies with less frequent treatment. STUDY DESIGNRandomized sham-controlled, patient- and- assessor-blinded trial. METHODSThis trial recruited 72 patients scheduled for laparotomy in Hong Kong. Either acupuncture (n = 36) or non-invasive sham acupuncture (n = 36) was performed on the patients preoperatively (1 session) and postoperatively (once a day, up to 6 sessions). The primary outcome was pain at rest, measured using a numerical rating scale from postoperative days 0-5. Secondary outcomes such as analgesics consumption were also assessed. A data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) was established. RESULTSAll 72 randomized patients were included in the analysis. The acupuncture group had a smaller pain score at rest at 22 hrs (mean = 2.6) than the sham control group (mean = 4.0) (Post hoc intention to treat analysis, Linear regression, mean difference = -1.4, 95% confidence interval = [-0.2] -2.7, p = 0.029). No statistically significant between-group difference was found in other outcomes. No serious adverse event was observed. CONCLUSIONPerioperative acupuncture treatments are safe and feasible, but the efficacy of acupuncture is inconclusive.
ISSN:0944-7113
1618-095X
DOI:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154292