The Role of Acupuncture in Relieving Post-Hemorrhoidectomy Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Post-hemorrhoidectomy pain (PHP) remains one of the complications of hemorrhoidectomy and can delay patient's recovery. Current clinical guideline on PHP remains skeptical on the effectiveness of acupuncture, which has been applied for PHP in practice with inconsistent evidence.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture on PHP by reviewing existing evidence.

Methods

Nine databases such as PubMed and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to 30th September 2021. The outcome measures on pain level after hemorrhoidectomy, dose of rescue analgesic drug used, quality of life, adverse events, etc., were extracted and analyzed in a narrative approach.

Results

Four RCTs involving

SUBMITTER: Chen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8995644 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature