Effect of electroacupuncture on post-caesarean section pain

Abstract

Post-operative pain is a major clinical problem and must be managed properly. Various types of pharmacotherapy regimens have been used for managing post-operative pain. However, the results are still not satisfactory. This study aimed to determine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on post-caesarean section pain. This randomised control trial included 38 women who underwent caesarean section. The participants were divided into two groups: the EA group that received 2 Hz electroacupuncture at the ST36 Zusanli, SP6 Sanyinjiao, LI4 Hegu and LR3 Taichong points for 30 min and the control group that did not receive EA. Morphine was provided to both groups according to their individual needs through patient-controlled analgesia. The assessment was performed by measuring the total dose of morphine used within the first 24 h and during the time when a patient first requested for morphine after surgery. The results showed that the median amount of morphine consumption of the EA and control groups for 24 h were 4.5 and 15 mg, respectively (p < 0.05), and the median time to the first use of morphine in the EA and control groups were 205 and 60 min, respectively (p < 0.05). Thus, EA had an analgesic effect on post-caesarean section pain, as indicated by a delay in the time when a patient first requested for morphine and the decrease in the total dose of morphine that was used within the first 24 h after surgery.