An interventional study of Acupoint Stimulation and Sham Acupoint Stimulation in Abdominal Surgeries, Pain and Acupuncture Points, sponsored by Cheng-Hsin General Hospital. Enrolling by invitation at 1 site in Taiwan. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-05-28.
Sponsored by Cheng-Hsin General Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care
Postoperative pain remains one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by surgical patients. Poorly managed postoperative pain can impede recovery, reduce patient willingness to mobilize, increase the risk of complications, and negatively affect overall quality of life. Currently, opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the primary pharmacological strategies for managing postoperative pain. However, these medications often carry the risk of adverse effects and may not adequately address all aspects of patient comfort and recovery.
In response to this challenge, this study aims to evaluate the effects of a non-pharmacological, non-invasive intervention-acupoint stimulation-on postoperative wound pain and mobilization in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the development of more diversified and patient-centered pain management strategies, with the expectation that the integration of Chinese and Western medicine will lead to improved patient care and enhanced postoperative recovery.
Cheng-Hsin General Hospital is the lead sponsor of 22 studies on the registry; 7 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
Acupoint stimulation was administered on six points and auricular points on three points on the left ear, additional auricular points were selected according to the abdominal organ involved in surgery and its corresponding meridian representation on the auricle.
Other: Acupoint Stimulation
Other: Sham Acupoint Stimulation
This intervention involves acupoint stimulation and auricular acupressure. Stimulation of selected body acupoints is administered by trained personnel following a standardized protocol. The intervention is provided once daily for three consecutive days, beginning post-surgery. For auricular acupressure, additional auricular points are chosen based on the involved abdominal organ and its corresponding viscera-meridian locations on the auricle. Vaccaria seeds are applied to the selected points with adhesive patches, and patients are instructed to apply pressure to the points regularly throughout the day.
Participants in this group will receive a sham acupoint stimulation procedure. Acupoint stimulation will be using identical procedures to the experimental group, without applying pressure. No stimulation or manipulation was performed. The frequency and timing of the sham intervention matched that of the experimental group.
Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The primary analysis will focus on changes in pain intensity over time between the two groups.
Time frame: At 1, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-surgery
Pain Impact Assessed by Brief Pain Inventory - Taiwan Version (BPI-Taiwan)
The Brief Pain Inventory - Taiwan version (BPI-Taiwan) will be used to assess the impact of pain on various aspects of daily functioning. Total and subscale scores will be analyzed to evaluate differences in pain interference between the two groups.
Time frame: On postoperative Day 3
Total Analgesic Consumption Within 72 Hours After Surgery
This outcome evaluates whether acupoint stimulation reduces the need for postoperative analgesics.
Time frame: Within 72 hours after surgery
Time to First Ambulation After Surgery
Time from completion of surgery to the first successful ambulation will be recorded. Recorded as an indicator of overall postoperative mobility and functional recovery.
Time frame: Within 72 hours after surgery
Plan to share: No
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Cheng-Hsin General Hospital