Acupuncture for post anaesthetic recovery and postoperative pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Johannes Fleckenstein, Petra I Baeumler, Caroline Gurschler, Tobias Weissenbacher, Michael Simang, Thorsten Annecke, Thomas Geisenberger, Dominik Irnich, Johannes Fleckenstein, Petra I Baeumler, Caroline Gurschler, Tobias Weissenbacher, Michael Simang, Thorsten Annecke, Thomas Geisenberger, Dominik Irnich

Abstract

Background: We report on the design and implementation of a study protocol entitled Acupuncture randomised trial for post anaesthetic recovery and postoperative pain - a pilot study (ACUARP) designed to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy performed in the perioperative period on post anaesthetic recovery and postoperative pain.

Methods/design: The study is designed as a randomised controlled pilot trial with three arms and partial double blinding. We will compare (a) press needle acupuncture, (b) no treatment and (c) press plaster acupressure in a standardised anaesthetic setting. Seventy-five patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery to the uterus or ovaries will be allocated randomly to one of the three trial arms. The total observation period will begin one day before surgery and end on the second postoperative day. Twelve press needles and press plasters are to be administered preoperatively at seven acupuncture points. The primary outcome measure will be time from extubation to 'ready for discharge' from the post anaesthesia care unit (in minutes). The 'ready for discharge' end point will be assessed using three different scores: the Aldrete score, the Post Anaesthetic Discharge Scoring System and an In-House score. Secondary outcome measures will comprise pre-, intra- and postoperative variables (which are anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting, concomitant medication).

Discussion: The results of this study will provide information on whether acupuncture may improve patient post anaesthetic recovery. Comparing acupuncture with acupressure will provide insight into potential therapeutic differences between invasive and non-invasive acupuncture techniques.

Trial registration: NCT01816386 (First received: 28 October 2012).

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study design. Patients are randomly allocated to either the group ACU (press needle acupuncture), no treatment group (control) or the group APU (press plaster acupressure). After surgery, press needles and press plasters will be kept on the patients’ skin for the next two postoperative days or until discharge from the hospital. The listed outcome measures will be assessed at the marked time points respectively.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Acupuncture points hand out. The figure illustrates the seven acupuncture points as being distributed to the patients. The listed symptoms indicate the key indications for the respective points. The chart is handed out to the patients in the acupuncture (ACU) and acupressure (APU) groups, the given indications are thought as reminder for the patients of the possible treatment effects to be expected when self-palpating the respective points. Du 26 has to be pressed by the attending anaesthetist during emergence.

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