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Auricular Acupressure for Preventing Postoperative Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort in Male Patients Undergoing
Yang Dong1, Dingde Long1, Bei Fang1
1Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China, ncu.edu.cn.
Aims And Objectives:
This present study evaluated the utility of auricular acupressure (AA) in alleviating catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD).
Background:
The efficacy and safety of current treatments for postoperative CRBD in male patients remain suboptimal.
Design:
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
Methods:
This trial enrolled male patients postlumbar surgery from 1 July 2024 to 31 August 2024. Participants were allocated to an AA group (Group AA, n = 40) or a placebo control group (Group C, n = 40). Both groups received 3 days of intervention prior to surgery. Outcomes included the following: Moderate-to-severe CRBD at extubation; 24-h postoperative opioid requirement; CRBD severity (none/mild/moderate-to-severe) at 1, 6, and 24 h postextubation; postoperative pain; and patient satisfaction. Data were analyzed via SPSS 23 using t-tests, chi-square tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA.
Results:
In this randomized trial of 80 male spinal surgery patients, AA significantly reduced moderate-to-severe CRBD incidence at extubation (T1): 22.5% (9/40) in Group AA vs. 52.5% (21/40) in Group C (RR: 0.263; 95% CI: 0.100-0.691; p = 0.006). AA decreased the subjects of 24-h supplemental opioid requirements (17.5% vs. 37.5%; RR: 2.829; 95% CI: 1.003-7.977; p = 0.045) and elevated patient satisfaction (median 5.0 vs. 4.0; p = 0.034). No between-group differences existed in morphine-equivalent consumption or CRBD severity beyond T1 (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
AA is an effective, nonpharmacological intervention that reduces early postoperative CRBD severity and opioid demand while enhancing recovery satisfaction in catheterized males. As a noninvasive, side-effect-free intervention, AA warrants integration into enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for catheterized patients. Trial Registration: Chinese Registry of Clinical Trials: ChiCTR2400086089.