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Acupuncture as an adjunct for sedation during lithotripsy.
Shu-Ming Wang1, Mamatha Punjala, Dana Weiss
1Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8041, USA. shu-ming.wang@yale.edu
Summary
Acupuncture effectively reduced preprocedural anxiety and pain during lithotripsy. This study found that auricular and body acupuncture significantly decreased patient anxiety and the need for pain medication.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Pain Management
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Lithotripsy procedures can cause significant preprocedural anxiety and pain.
- Effective management of anxiety and pain is crucial for patient comfort and procedural success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of combined auricular and body acupuncture as an adjunct therapy.
- To assess its impact on preprocedural anxiety and pain during lithotripsy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled study was conducted with adult patients undergoing elective lithotripsy.
- Participants were assigned to either an acupuncture group (auricular and electroacupuncture) or a sham control group.
- Outcomes measured included preprocedural anxiety, intraprocedural alfentanil consumption, and pain scores.
Main Results:
- The acupuncture group showed significantly lower preprocedural anxiety scores compared to the sham group (p = 0.029).
- Patients receiving acupuncture required less alfentanil for pain management (p = 0.040).
- Lower pain scores were reported by the acupuncture group in the recovery room (p = 0.014).
Conclusions:
- Combined auricular and body acupuncture serves as an effective adjunct treatment.
- It successfully reduces preprocedural anxiety and intraprocedural analgesia needs in lithotripsy patients.
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