Acupressure: Bilateral acupressure is applied at P6, LI4, ST36, and SP6 for 3 minutes per point at postoperative 1, 4, and 8 hours.
Sham Acupressure: Manual pressure is applied to non-acupuncture points using the same duration and schedule as the active acupressure intervention.
Study summary
This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of acupressure on postoperative pain following laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair.
A total of 90 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard postoperative care alone (control group), true acupressure plus standard care, or sham acupressure plus standard care. Acupressure will be applied at postoperative hours 1, 4, and 8 using the bilateral P6 (Neiguan), LI4 (Hegu), ST36 (Zusanli), and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) acupoints. The sham group will receive pressure at non-acupuncture points.
The primary outcome is postoperative pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include analgesic consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, time to mobilization, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18 to 75 years
* Diagnosis of a unilateral primary inguinal hernia
* Scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to III without an anticipated need for postoperative intensive care
* Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
Bilateral inguinal hernia
* Recurrent inguinal hernia
* Strangulated inguinal hernia
* History of open lower abdominal surgery
* Skin infection, wound, or surgical scar at any of the acupressure application sites
* ASA physical status III with an anticipated need for postoperative intensive care
* ASA physical status IV
* Participation in another clinical study within the previous 4 weeks
* Receipt of acupressure or a similar complementary treatment within the previous 4 weeks
* Refusal or inability to provide written informed consent
Primary outcome measure(s)
Postoperative Pain Intensity Assessed by Visual Analog Scale — At postoperative hours 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 Postoperative pain intensity will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. VAS scores will be recorded at postoperative hours 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 and compared among the study groups.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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