title: Acupuncture for post anaesthetic recovery and postoperative pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report on the design and implementation of a study protocol entitled Acupuncture randomised trial for post anaesthetic recovery and postoperative pain - a pilot study (ACUARP) designed to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy performed in the perioperative period on post anaesthetic recovery and postoperative pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study is designed as a randomised controlled pilot trial with three arms and partial double blinding. We will compare (a) press needle acupuncture, (b) no treatment and (c) press plaster acupressure in a standardised anaesthetic setting. Seventy-five patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery to the uterus or ovaries will be allocated randomly to one of the three trial arms. The total observation period will begin one day before surgery and end on the second postoperative day. Twelve press needles and press plasters are to be administered preoperatively at seven acupuncture points. The primary outcome measure will be time from extubation to 'ready for discharge' from the post anaesthesia care unit (in minutes). The 'ready for discharge' end point will be assessed using three different scores: the Aldrete score, the Post Anaesthetic Discharge Scoring System and an In-House score. Secondary outcome measures will comprise pre-, intra- and postoperative variables (which are anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting, concomitant medication).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study will provide information on whether acupuncture may improve patient post anaesthetic recovery. Comparing acupuncture with acupressure will provide insight into potential therapeutic differences between invasive and non-invasive acupuncture techniques.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT01816386 (First received: 28 October 2012).
authors.affiliation: Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 8 A, 80336 München, Germany. Johannes.Fleckenstein@ikom.unibe.ch.
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fleckenstein
authors.forename: Petra I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Baeumler
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gurschler
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Weissenbacher
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simang
authors.forename: Thorsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Annecke
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Geisenberger
authors.forename: Dominik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Irnich
mesh_terms: D019050:Acupressure; D015667:Acupuncture Analgesia; D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012107:Research Design; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome