This study investigates the role of acupuncture in controlling post-operative pain in patients who have undergone gynecological surgery.
The goal of the study is to investigate acupuncture at the time of gynecological surgery as a way to decrease post-operative pain which would decrease narcotic intake and hospitalization time. To do this, the researchers will recruit non-pregnant patients over the age of 18 who are undergoing laparoscopic surgery for a benign gynecological indication. These patients will be randomized using a computer generated randomization system to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture pre-operatively after the induction of anesthesia. The acupuncture points used will be points proven in the literature to be associated with decreasing general pain, pelvic pain and nausea and vomiting. The needles will be placed by a anesthesiologist trained in acupuncture and they will be left in place for 15 minutes while the patient is prepped for the surgery. The sham points will be on the hands and feet and chosen at random by the gynecologic surgeon who is not trained in acupuncture. For both groups, the acupuncture needles will be removed before the first incision of the surgery. All patients will be blinded to their group allocation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
110
Acupuncture needles (29 and 30 gauge) used to perform the acupuncture
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, New York, United States
Morphine Equivalent Usage While in the Hospital
Effectiveness of intra-operative acupuncture in post-operative pain control as measured by narcotic use in the 24 hours post-operatively. Narcotic use monitored either through hospital records if patient is still admitted to the hospital or over the phone if the patient is discharged home prior to 24 hours post-operative.
Time frame: Intra-operative and 24 hours post-operatively
Number of Pain Medication Tablets Used at Home Post-Operatively
Patients kept a log of pain medication use once they were discharged from the hospital for first 7 days post operatively.
Time frame: 7 days post-operatively
Number of Patients Readmitted to the Hospital
Effectiveness of intra-operative acupuncture in post-operative pain control as measured by re-admission to the hospital for pain management.
Time frame: 2 weeks post-operatively
Pain Score
Pain Score. Patients asked to rate pain score total from 0-10 with higher score indicating more pain
Time frame: up to 4 hours post operatively
Pain Score at Home Post-Operatively
Pain Score from 0-10 with higher score indicating more pain
Time frame: up to 7 days post operatively
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