As per the reports of a recently conducted randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, electroacupuncture (EA) shows a significant reduction in the narcotic use and postoperative (PO) pain with high safety measures among percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) treated patients. PCNL considered as a gold standard strategy to treat large renal calculi; however, postoperative (PO) pain is a serious issue associated with this treatment. One of the medical approaches to reducing pain is acupuncture, a nonpharmacologic, safe and easy to use method.

This Institutional Review Board approved study involved a total of fifty-one participants who categorized into three classes; sham EA (SEA), true EA and no acupuncture. Both acupuncture approaches were implemented by a single licensed acupuncturist <1 hour before the PCNL, and during PCNL, no intraoperative nerve block(s) or local anaesthetic was used. All the participants were assessed for narcotic use, side effects and pain. Narcotic usage and pain were determined using the morphine equivalents and visual analogue scale (VAS), respectively.

As compared to the SEA and control groups, the EA group exhibited lower mean VAS scores for abdomen pain and flank at all periods. The mean cumulative opioid use reduced immediately in the EA group as compared to other groups. Two participants from the EA group did not need any PO narcotics. Regarding vomiting and nausea, no differences were seen between the groups. No approach exhibited any adverse effects. EA provides more relevant outcomes as compared to SEA.