Acupoint Stimulation Improves Postoperative Wound Pain

Acupoint Stimulation Intervention Improves Postoperative Wound Pain and Mobility in Patients With Abdominal Surgery

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Surgical wound length ≥ 10 cm
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I to III
• Receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA)
• Clear consciousness and ability to communicate
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of arrhythmia
• Implanted artificial cardiac pacemaker
• Cutaneous lesions at the acupoint or auricular application sites
• History of chronic pain or abdominal surgery within the past 6 months
• Non-ambulatory status prior to surgery