Tailored Acupuncture Techniques May Alleviate Postoperative Discomfort Following Abdominal Surgery

Overview

This pilot study investigated the analgesic effects of a checkpoint acupuncture method targeting six specific abdominal points in patients after abdominal surgery. The approach, adhering to STRICTA guidelines, demonstrated feasibility and potential benefits in reducing postoperative pain and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Background

Postoperative pain is a common and significant concern that can hinder recovery and compliance with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) protocols. Conventional analgesics often cause adverse effects and may not adequately control pain, leading to increased morbidity and risk of chronic pain development. Acupuncture has emerged as a promising complementary therapy for acute and chronic pain, with evidence suggesting improvements in gastrointestinal function and reduced hospital stays. This study explores a simplified acupuncture diagnostic and treatment approach focusing on six abdominal checkpoints to address postoperative discomfort.

Data Highlights

The study included adult patients undergoing elective or emergency abdominal surgery with postoperative pain scores ≥3 on a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). All patients received standard ERAS® pain management plus a single acupuncture treatment targeting the most sensitive of six predefined abdominal points (G1-G6). Semi-permanent needles were used, and needles remained until discharge. No control group was included as this was a feasibility pilot study.

Key Findings

• Checkpoint acupuncture was successfully applied as an adjunct to standard postoperative pain management in abdominal surgery patients.
• The method utilized palpation of six specific abdominal points (G1-G6) to identify hypersensitive regions indicative of dysfunctional vegetative patterns.
• Needling technique was standardized using semi-permanent steel needles with consistent length, diameter, insertion pressure, and depth, without eliciting de qi sensations.
• All patients received a single acupuncture session postoperatively, with needles retained until discharge and minimal verbal interaction during treatment.
• The approach is grounded in an established checkpoint concept dating back to ancient Chinese medical texts, adapted for modern clinical use without complex traditional diagnostics.

Clinical Implications

This tailored acupuncture technique offers a practical and standardized adjunct to multimodal postoperative pain management in abdominal surgery, potentially improving pain control and gastrointestinal recovery without additional pharmacologic side effects. Its simplicity and adherence to STRICTA guidelines facilitate integration into clinical practice by experienced acupuncturists. Further controlled studies are warranted to confirm efficacy and optimize protocols.

Conclusion

Checkpoint acupuncture targeting specific abdominal points is a feasible and promising complementary approach to alleviate postoperative discomfort following abdominal surgery. This pilot study lays the groundwork for larger trials to establish clinical efficacy and integration into ERAS® pathways.

References

1. STRICTA Guidelines 2010 -- Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture
2. Zhang Zhongjing (Shang Han Lun) -- Ancient Chinese Medical Text
3. ERAS® Society -- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols