[Anaesthetic effect of acupuncture during an inguinal hernia repair – a self-experiment]

There are references in the media and in the literature to the use of acupuncture as an anaesthetic in surgical operations. The author, an experienced acupuncturist, tested the anaesthetic effect of acupuncture during an inguinal hernia repair in a self-experiment. Acupuncture combined with electrostimulation was administered for the 6-cm skin cut and preparation to 15 mm in depth. However, acupuncture alone provided an inadequate anaesthetic effect for the entire operation and an additional local anaesthetic had to be administered.