Plunkett A, McCoart A, Howard RS, Dennison E, Bartoszek M. A randomized, single-blind, prospective trial of auricular 'battlefield' acupuncture for the reduction of postoperative tonsillectomy pain in adults.
Pain Manag 2018;
8:287-295. [PMID:
29898645 DOI:
10.2217/pmt-2018-0007]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM
The purpose of this randomized, single-blind trial was to evaluate the efficacy of battlefield acupuncture in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption after adult tonsillectomy.
METHODS
Adult participants undergoing a tonsillectomy were randomized to either receive auricular 'battlefield' acupuncture or not. Groups were compared using the Wilcox rank sum test, Fisher's exact test and a generalized estimating equations model for post-discharge pain scores.
RESULTS
Statistically significant difference was not noted for morphine equivalent opioid use, nor was there any difference noted in the pain scores between the control group and treatment group.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture is cheap, safe and effective in many settings. Peri-operative battlefield auricular acupuncture did not reduce postoperative pain or opioid consumption in this study.
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