Auricular Acupuncture in Postoperative Pain

Patients in the acupuncture group received titan disposable needles (27-gauge, 3 mm length; Biegler GmbH, Mauerbach, Austria), which were inserted in the dominant ear at the following acupuncture points: shen men, thalamus and one segmental organ-specific point \[2\]. Acupuncture points were identified by measuring skin resistance, using an electrical conductance meter (multipoint selection pen™, Biegler GmbH, Mauerbach, Austria). The needles were connected to the P-Stim™ device and received continuous low frequency electro acupuncture using P-Stim™ (constant current: 1 Hz biphasic, 2 mA) for 72 hours postoperatively. Acupuncture was performed by a specialist with 15 years experience in this technique.

Patients in the control group received electrodes without needles and the P-Stim™ devices were applied without electrical stimulation.