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Electroacupuncture analgesia for colonoscopy. a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Lorella Fanti1, Marco Gemma, Sandro Passaretti
1Department of Gastroenterology, Vita-Salute University of Milan, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Italy.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 20, 2003
Summary
Acupuncture may reduce patient discomfort and anxiety during colonoscopy, potentially decreasing the need for sedative medications and their adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Integrative Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Colonoscopy is a common procedure often associated with patient discomfort and anxiety.
- Standard sedation protocols involve pharmacologic agents with potential adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing patient discomfort and anxiety during colonoscopy versus standard sedation.
- To evaluate acupuncture's impact on sedative drug requirements and patient acceptance.
Main Methods:
- Thirty patients undergoing colonoscopy were randomized into acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or no acupuncture groups.
- Pain and satisfaction were assessed using verbal rating scales.
- Midazolam administration was recorded for patients reporting severe pain.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture group showed lower pain levels, though not statistically significant.
- Significantly fewer midazolam boluses were needed in the acupuncture group (30%) compared to sham (80%) and control (90%) groups (p=0.01).
- Optimal acceptance of colonoscopy was higher in the acupuncture group (60%) versus sham (10%) and control (0%) (p=0.016).
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture may reduce the demand for sedative drugs during colonoscopy.
- Acupuncture appears effective in decreasing patient discomfort and anxiety, mitigating the need for pharmacologic sedation and its adverse effects.