The efficacy of acupuncture in relieving postoperative pain in patients with low simple anal fistula: Protocol of a prospective, randomised, controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anal fistula surgery often leads to postoperative pain, which can hinder recovery and negatively impact patients' quality of life. This prospective, randomised, controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating postoperative pain and reducing the usage of analgesic medications following anal fistula surgery.

Methods

This single-centre, patient-blinded, assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. A total of 66 patients with low simple anal fistula will be randomised at a 1:1 ratio to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture. The primary outcome is the difference in the numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score before and after acupuncture at 6 hours

SUBMITTER: Yang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11761113 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature