Efficacy of Acupuncture for Postoperative Urinary Retention Following Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Acupuncture Combined With Intermittent Catheterization for Postoperative Urinary Retention Due to Neurogenic Bladder Following Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if acupuncture works to treat postoperative urinary retention in patients who have undergone radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. The main question it aims to answer is:

Does acupuncture lower the volume of post-void residual in participants who need to use intermittent catheterization to assist with voiding after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer?

Researchers will compare acupuncture to sham acupuncture (non-penetrating needles: using placebo needles with a blunt tip that gives the sensation of skin penetration without actually piercing the skin) to see if acupuncture works to treat postoperative urinary retention.

Participants will:

1. Receive acupuncture or sham acupuncture or tamsulosin for 2 weeks.
2. Visit the clinic before and after treatment for checkups and tests.
3. Keep a voiding diary and record the volume of post-void residual and the number of times they use intermittent catheterization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of cervical cancer who have undergone radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.
• Patients who developed urinary retention after catheter removal during routine postoperative follow-up (2-4 weeks after surgery), with post-void residual urine volume measured by ultrasound exceeding 100 ml on two consecutive occasions.
• Aged ≥18 years.
• Patients who are informed and voluntarily sign the informed consent form.
• Patients with a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score ≥70 .

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a clear preoperative diagnosis of urinary retention or voiding dysfunction.
• Patients with urinary retention caused by conditions other than radical surgery for cervical cancer, such as spinal cord injury or other diseases.
• Patients with severe heart, lung, or kidney failure, or those with severe medical comorbidities.
• Patients with a severe bleeding tendency due to any cause.
• Patients with severe consciousness disorders or psychiatric/psychological conditions that preclude cooperation with treatment.