Acupoint Stimulation Improves Postoperative Wound Pain

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Acupoint Stimulation: This intervention involves acupoint stimulation and auricular acupressure. Stimulation of selected body acupoints is administered by trained personnel following a standardized protocol. The intervention is provided once daily for three consecutive days, beginning post-surgery. For auricular acupressure, additional auricular points are chosen based on the involved abdominal organ and its corresponding viscera-meridian locations on the auricle. Vaccaria seeds are applied to the selected points with adhesive patches, and patients are instructed to apply pressure to the points regularly throughout the day.

Sham Acupoint Stimulation: Participants in this group will receive a sham acupoint stimulation procedure. Acupoint stimulation will be using identical procedures to the experimental group, without applying pressure. No stimulation or manipulation was performed. The frequency and timing of the sham intervention matched that of the experimental group.

Study summary

Postoperative pain remains one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by surgical patients. Poorly managed postoperative pain can impede recovery, reduce patient willingness to mobilize, increase the risk of complications, and negatively affect overall quality of life. Currently, opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the primary pharmacological strategies for managing postoperative pain. However, these medications often carry the risk of adverse effects and may not adequately address all aspects of patient comfort and recovery.

In response to this challenge, this study aims to evaluate the effects of a non-pharmacological, non-invasive intervention-acupoint stimulation-on postoperative wound pain and mobilization in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the development of more diversified and patient-centered pain management strategies, with the expectation that the integration of Chinese and Western medicine will lead to improved patient care and enhanced postoperative recovery.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) — At 1, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-surgery
  Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The primary analysis will focus on changes in pain intensity over time between the two groups.

Trial sites (1)

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