Acupuncture for Post-Operative Pain Control for Patients Undergoing Gynecological Surgery

The goal of the study is to investigate acupuncture at the time of gynecological surgery as a way to decrease post-operative pain which would decrease narcotic intake and hospitalization time. To do this, the researchers will recruit non-pregnant patients over the age of 18 who are undergoing laparoscopic surgery for a benign gynecological indication. These patients will be randomized using a computer generated randomization system to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture pre-operatively after the induction of anesthesia. The acupuncture points used will be points proven in the literature to be associated with decreasing general pain, pelvic pain and nausea and vomiting. The needles will be placed by a anesthesiologist trained in acupuncture and they will be left in place for 15 minutes while the patient is prepped for the surgery. The sham points will be on the hands and feet and chosen at random by the gynecologic surgeon who is not trained in acupuncture. For both groups, the acupuncture needles will be removed before the first incision of the surgery. All patients will be blinded to their group allocation.

Inclusion criteria

• female patients
• over the age of 18
• scheduled for laparoscopic gynecological procedures for benign conditions of the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or adnexa

Exclusion criteria

• male patients
• pregnancy
• suspected or known malignant disease
• immunocompromised
• known or persistent abuse of medications, drugs or alcohol
• chronic pain for greater than 3 months