BACKGROUND

Acupuncture has potential value in producing analgesia in the postoperative period, but previous trials have inconsistent results. We aimed to study the effect of electroacupuncture on pain and nausea and the requirement for postoperative analgesia via patient-controlled analgesia.

METHODS

107 patients who were undergoing abdominal hysterectomy or laparascopic cholecystectomy were randomised to receive either electroacupuncture (n = 56) or no additional treatment (n = 46) during the operative period. We measured the use of patient-controlled analgesia and time in recovery as well as pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and sedation. 102 patients were included in the analysis. The majority of patients were female: the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group included 10 males. Adhesive dressings were placed over all acupuncture points in both groups, to ensure blinding of patients and assessors during the recovery period.

RESULTS

The electroacupuncture group had a longer duration of operation but the difference was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences between the groups for the requirement for patient-controlled analgesia or total time in recovery. Pain scores were marginally lower in the acupuncture group, but not significantly, and there were no differences between the groups in nausea or sedation scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroacupuncture at 10 Hz given under general anaesthetic has no effect on postoperative nausea or analgesic requirement. Future studies should investigate acupuncture given before or after surgery.