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Smartphone-controlled patch electro-acupuncture versus conventional pain relief during colonoscopy: a randomized
Cheau Yan Joan Gan1,2, Koon Khee Chan2, Jih Huei Tan1,2
1Colorectal Unit, Department of Surgery, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|April 20, 2021
Summary
Smartphone-controlled patch electro-acupuncture (SCEA) showed no significant pain reduction during colonoscopy but was favored by over 90% of patients. This novel device is a safe option for pain relief in endoscopic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pain Management
- Acupuncture Technology
Background:
- Smartphone-controlled patch electro-acupuncture (SCEA) offers analgesic effects comparable to traditional acupuncture.
- Limited English literature exists on SCEA's use for primary pain relief during colonoscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of SCEA as a primary pain relief method during colonoscopy.
- To assess SCEA's potential as an alternative to conventional sedation for colonoscopy pain.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 37 patients undergoing colonoscopy.
- Patients were assigned to either SCEA or a placebo group, with rescue sedation available.
- Pain intensity was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), alongside analysis of sedation use and procedure duration.
Main Results:
- The SCEA group reported a lower median pain score (4.6) than the placebo group (6.0), though this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.12).
- Over 90% of patients expressed a willingness to use SCEA again for primary analgesia.
- No adverse complications were reported with the use of SCEA during the study.
Conclusions:
- SCEA is a safe modality for pain management during colonoscopy.
- Despite not achieving statistical significance in pain reduction, SCEA demonstrates high patient preference and acceptance.
- Further research may explore optimizing SCEA protocols for enhanced analgesic effects in endoscopic procedures.
