Electro-acupuncture versus conventional analgesia: a comparison of pain levels during oocyte aspiration and patients' experiences of well-being after surgery.
BACKGROUND
The primary aims were to compare the pain-relieving effect and post-operative well-being between electro-acupuncture analgesia (EA) and conventional analgesia (CA) comprising opiates. Further aims were to compare time for mobilization, and costs for time and drug consumption.


METHODS
In all, 160 women undergoing IVF were randomized, according to a computer-generated list, to EA or CA. Well-being was evaluated with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Pain and subjective expectations and experiences were recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Time and drug consumption were recorded.


RESULTS
Although VAS pain ratings were significantly higher at oocyte aspiration (P < 0.0001) and after retrieval (P < 0.01) in the EA than in the CA group, they were similar 60 min after surgery. Both groups had similar STAI well-being scores. The EA group was significantly less tired and confused than the CA group after oocyte aspiration. No significant differences in time and costs for drug consumption were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
EA cannot generally be recommended as a pain-relieving method at oocyte aspiration but might be an alternative for women desiring a non-pharmacological method. An advantage of EA is less post-operative tiredness and confusion compared with CA.
Gejervall
Ann-Louise
AL
Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for the Health of Women and Children, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg University, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden. anne-louise.gejervall@vgregion.se
Stener-Victorin
Elisabet
E
Möller
Anders
A
Janson
Per Olof
PO
Werner
Charlotte
C
Bergh
Christina
C
D015667:Acupuncture Analgesia; D000328:Adult; D015760:Alfentanil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008347:Manifest Anxiety Scale; D009865:Oocytes; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011788:Quality of Life; D013396:Suction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D015760:Alfentanil