Cheek Acupuncture Reduces Postoperative Sore Throat After Double-Lumen Endobronchial Intubation: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology and Pain Management
• Surgical Recovery
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complication following double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) intubation.
• POST can negatively impact patient recovery and satisfaction after thoracic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of cheek acupuncture in reducing POST in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery with DLT intubation.
• To assess the impact of cheek acupuncture on pain severity, analgesic consumption, and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-eight patients were randomized to receive either cheek acupuncture (CA group) or sham acupuncture (CT group) before surgery completion.
• The primary outcome was POST incidence within 48 hours postoperatively.
• Secondary outcomes included POST severity, wound pain, rescue analgesic use, PONV, and hospitalization duration.

Main Results:

• The incidence of POST was significantly lower in the CA group (34.1%) compared to the CT group (65.9%) (P = 0.003).
• Cheek acupuncture also reduced POST severity, early wound pain, rescue analgesic requirements, and 48-hour PONV incidence.
• Patient satisfaction with anesthesia was improved in the CA group.

Conclusions:

• A single intraoperative session of cheek acupuncture effectively reduces the incidence and severity of early POST after DLT intubation for thoracoscopic lung surgery.
• Cheek acupuncture demonstrates a favorable safety profile and improves patient outcomes and satisfaction.