Efficacy of Acupuncture in Postoperative Pain-Relieving: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving postoperative pain.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources: The search strategy was designed according to the PICOS principle (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study). PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched from the inception of databases to August 25th, 2022 to collect studies on acupuncture in the management of postoperative pain.

Review methods: Two researchers independently screened the searched studies using the EndNote X9 software. Relevant data were extracted, and the risk of bias in included studies was assessed. RevMan 5.4 software was used for data analysis, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used to assess the quality of evidence.

Results: A total of 25 studies were included. This meta-analysis showed statistically significant differences in the pain scores (SMD=-0.38, 95 %CI [-0.69, -0.07], p = .02) and the dosage of analgesics (SMD = -0.53, 95% CI [-0.99, -0.06], I² = 90 %, p < .00001] between the acupuncture group and the control group.

Conclusion: Acupuncture is effective for alleviating postoperative pain and reducing the dosage of analgesics. More well-designed, and large-scale prospective studies are needed to further validate the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving postoperative pain.

Nursing practice implications: Acupuncture is an acceptable choice for relieving postoperative pain since it is convenient, effective, and acceptable. Nurses can provide tailored guidance for patients to enhance their recovery and satisfaction.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Meta-analysis; Postoperative pain; Systematic review.