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Published on: June 23, 2023
Electroacupuncture on Postoperative Pain Control: A Systematic Review
Marco Antônio Hélio Silva1, Albert Ambram2, Lucas Longo3
1ORCID: 0000-0002-2320-7472, is a Medical Doctor with a private practice in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Professor at Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Acupuncture Physician at Coastal Health Institute, Jacksonville, Florida.
Electroacupuncture (EA) effectively reduces postoperative pain (POP) and opioid consumption. This systematic review suggests EA is a promising complementary therapy for enhancing surgical recovery and managing pain.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Pain Management
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Effective management of postoperative pain (POP) is crucial for surgical recovery.
- Conventional pain medications, such as opioids, can cause significant adverse effects.
- Electroacupuncture (EA) presents a potential alternative or complementary strategy for POP relief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies evaluating EA for POP management.
- To assess EA's efficacy as a neuromodulatory technique for pain relief.
- To synthesize evidence on EA's role in enhancing surgical recovery.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies published within the last 5 years.
- Searched 7 major databases for relevant articles.
- Included 18 studies (Level 2 evidence) evaluating EA for POP.
Main Results:
- Most studies reported statistically significant reductions in pain intensity following EA.
- EA demonstrated potential for enhanced pain control and improved recovery metrics.
- Evidence suggests EA may reduce the need for opioid medications.
Conclusions:
- EA shows promise as an adjunct therapy for managing postoperative pain.
- Further high-quality research is needed to confirm EA's effectiveness and optimize treatment parameters.
- EA may offer an opioid-sparing approach to pain management.
