@article{b42e759fa62643d8b2813dd8bec90391,
title = "A combination of electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture for postoperative pain after abdominal surgery for gynaecological diseases: A randomized controlled trial",
abstract = "Background: Postoperative 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. Purpose: This 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 Design: Randomized sham-controlled, patient- and- assessor-blinded trial. Methods: This 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. Results: All 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. Conclusion: Perioperative acupuncture treatments are safe and feasible, but the efficacy of acupuncture is inconclusive.",
keywords = "Abdominal surgery, Acupuncture, Morphine, Placebo, Postoperative pain, Randomized controlled trial",
author = "Lam, {Wing Lok} and Jingxuan Wang and Yeung, {Wing Fai} and Cheung, {Chi Wai} and Chan, {Karen Kar Loen} and Ngan, {Hextan Yuen Sheung} and Wong, {Carlos King Ho} and Fei Jiang and Ma, {Paulin Wai Sze} and Leung, {Tsin Wah} and Leung, {Wing Cheong} and Liu, {Tak Chiu} and Haiyong Chen and Lixing Lao",
note = "Funding Information: This work was supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), Hong Kong (Ref no: 13,142,951). Wing Lok Lam was supported by a Hong Kong University Postgraduate Fellowship in Integrative Medicine. PYONEX press needles were provided by the SEIRIN Corporation, Japan. The funding body was not involved in the design of the study or in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data or in the writing of the manuscript or in the decision to submit the article for publication. The authors have had full possession of the research process without funding agencies with potential conflict of interest. Funding Information: We are very grateful to have Dr Vincent Chi-ho CHUNG (The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Dr Steven WONG (Queen Elizabeth Hospital), and Dr Shi Ping ZHANG (Hong Kong Baptist University) serving as the DSMB members. We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Wai Yee LAM (The University of Hong Kong) for the help in preparation in randomization and allocation concealment. We would like to thank Dr Kwai Ching LO (The University of Hong Kong) and Ms Lo Lo YAM (The University of Hong Kong) for conducting the acupuncture treatments in such a professional manner. We would like to express our thanks to Mr. Hing Min Sonny TSE (The University of Hong Kong) for monitoring the quality of acupuncture treatment. We are also grateful to Ms Pui Yan CHAN (The University of Hong Kong), Ms Lesley LAU (Queen Mary Hospital), Ms Wai Ki CHOI (Queen Mary Hospital), and Ms Wai Lin LEUNG (Kwong Wah Hospital) for their help in recruiting the patients and collecting the outcome measurements. We were also very thankful for the support that we received from all of the patients and nurses at Queen Mary Hospital and Kwong Wah Hospital in Hong Kong. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2022 Elsevier GmbH",
year = "2022",
month = sep,
doi = "10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154292",
language = "English",
volume = "104",
journal = "Phytomedicine",
issn = "0944-7113",
publisher = "Elsevier GmbH",
}