Wrist-ankle acupuncture for pain relief after perianal surgery
Application of Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture in Patients With Different Types of Pain Following Perianal Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
This trial will see if wrist-ankle acupuncture can reduce moderate-to-severe pain in adults after perianal surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Putian) |
| Trial ID | NCT07340307 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective clinical observation enrolling 60 postoperative patients (age 18–75) with VAS ≥4 at the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University. Patients are grouped by pain type—sphincter spasm pain (n=30) versus acute incisional pain (n=30)—and all receive routine postoperative care plus wrist-ankle acupuncture. Pain scores, tolerability, and short-term applicability of the technique will be recorded and compared between groups. The study is single-center and non-randomized, focusing on immediate postoperative analgesic outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–75 who have had perianal surgery, report postoperative pain with VAS ≥4, are conscious and able to consent, and can attend follow-up visits.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or lactating, have needle phobia or skin lesions at the wrist/ankle, significant systemic comorbidities, or cannot complete follow-up are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, wrist-ankle acupuncture could provide a low-risk, non-drug option to reduce postoperative pain and potentially lower the need for analgesic medications.
How similar studies have performed: Acupuncture for postoperative pain has produced mixed but sometimes positive results in prior studies, and wrist-ankle acupuncture has some encouraging but less extensive supporting reports.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 75 years; * Patients who underwent perianal surgery; * Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score ≥4; * Clear consciousness with the ability to articulate their sensations; * Voluntary participation with signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or lactating patients; * Patients with a history of needle fainting or needle phobia; * Patients with incomplete skin integrity at the wrist or ankle; * Patients with comorbid systemic diseases, such as cardiac insufficiency or coagulation disorders; * Patients unable to cooperate with follow-up; * Patients currently participating in other clinical trials that may influence the outcomes of this study.
Where this trial is running
Putian
- Affiliated Hospital of Putian University — Putian, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chenxing C Jian
- Email: ptyyjcx@126.com
- Phone: +8613959538950
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.