Open AccessPostoperative Pain Therapy with Laser Acupuncture after Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Author(s) -
A Brase,
Dominik Brauchle,
Azzeddine Kermad,
Thomas Volk,
Emanuela Morinello,
Sven Gottschling,
Sven Schneider
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
complementary medicine research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.238
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 2504-2106
pISSN - 2504-2092
DOI - 10.1159/000522470
Subject(s) - medicine , placebo , acupuncture , randomized controlled trial , anesthesia , analgesic , visual analogue scale , placebo controlled study , opioid , surgery , physical therapy , double blind , alternative medicine , receptor , pathology
PurposeThe aim of our prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effect of laser acupuncture on postoperative pain in women undergoing cesarean section. Methods80 women (mean age 32 ±5 years) scheduled for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia at Saarland University Hospital Medical Center, Homburg (Germany) were enrolled in this trial after giving written consent. Patients were randomized in two groups receiving a course of 3 treatments over 3 days with either active or placebo laser. Each acupuncture session treated Di-4 and Shen-men of both hands and ears. Primary outcome was defined as the pain severity at rest measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) on the first postoperative day. Secondary outcome measures included analgesic consumption, time to mobilisation and length of stay. Treatment occurred on the operation day and on the following two days. Data were collected by a standardized questionnaire. ResultsNo statistical difference between both groups were observed for pain severity at rest on the first postoperative day after cesarean section (Mann-Whitney U-test, p=0,850, verum group: 3.3±2.1 Vs. Placebo group: 3.2±1.9). Secondary outcome measures regarding analgesic consumption showed no difference in NSAID or opioid between treatment and placebo group. Laser acupuncture showed no effect on time to mobilisation and length of stay. ConclusionOur study could not demonstrate significant effects by the application of laser acupuncture on postoperative pain in women undergoing cesarean section.