Anthony Plunkett1, Amy McCoart2, Robin S Howard3, Elizabeth Dennison4, Michael Bartoszek1. 1. Department of Anesthesia, Womack Army Medical Center, 2817 Reilly Road, Fort Bragg, NC 28310, USA. 2. Department of Preventive Medicine (EDC Clinic), Bldg 1-2539 Hamilton Street, Fort Bragg, NC 28310, USA. 3. Department of Research Programs, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA. 4. Department of Clinical Investigation, Womack Army Medical Center, 2817 Reilly Rd, Fort Bragg, NC 28310, USA.
Abstract
AIM: The purpose of this randomized, single-blind trial was to evaluate the efficacy of battlefield acupuncture in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumptionafter 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.
RCT Entities:
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.
Authors: Brian M Ilfeld; John J Finneran; Engy T Said; Krishna R Cidambi; Scott T Ball Journal: J Trauma Acute Care Surg Date: 2022-05-21 Impact factor: 3.697