Auricular electro-acupuncture as an additional perioperative analgesic method during oocyte aspiration in IVF treatment
Item
Title
Auricular electro-acupuncture as an additional perioperative analgesic method during oocyte aspiration in IVF treatment
Author(s)
Date
2006
Research Type
RCT
Keywords
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the pain-relieving effect and the subjective well-being between auricular electro-acupuncture (EA) analgesia, auricular acupuncture (A) and conventional analgesia with remifentanil (CO). METHODS: A total of 94 women undergoing IVF were randomized to auricular acupuncture with (EA, n = 32) or without (A, n = 32) continuous 1 Hz auricular stimulation (using a battery-powered miniaturized stimulator, P-Stim) or with adhesive tapes instead of needles and no electrical stimulation (control group, CO, n = 30) at the auricular acupuncture points 29, 55 and 57. All patients received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with remifentanil. Pain intensity and psychological well-being were assessed by means of visual analogue scales (VAS); tiredness, nausea and vomiting and analgesic drug consumption were documented. RESULTS: Pain relief and subjective well-being were significantly greater in group EA during and after the procedure as compared with groups A and CO (P < 0.001). The patients were significantly more tired in group CO than in groups A and EA (P < 0.001). Consumption of the opioid remifentanil was significantly lower in group EA, comparable nausea (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Auricular EA significantly reduces pain intensity and analgesic consumption of the opioid remifen-tanil during oocyte aspiration in IVF treatment
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has health condition studied
Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
has study population number
94
has duration
1 Day