OBJECTIVETo observe the acupuncture effect on urinary retention after spinal anesthesia.

METHODSOne hundred and fifty-four patients with spinal anesthesia were randomized into an observation group (80 cases) and a control group (74 cases). In the observation group, the electroacupuncture was applied to bilateral Fushe (SP 13) and Shuidao (ST 28); 2 Hz/50 Hz, retaining for 30 min. One treatment was required. In the control group, no any intervention was applied after operation. The incidence of the postoperative urinary retention, the time of the first automatic micturition since 30 min after spinal anesthesia, the volume of the first micturition, the postoperative urine condition, the lower abdominal distention, incomplete urination and the others were observed.

RESULTSThe incidence of urinary retention in the observation group was lower than that in the control group; the first automatic micturition in 30 min after spinal anesthesia was earlier than that in the control group; the comfortable urination rate was higher than that in the control group; the incidence of incomplete urination and lower abdominal distention were lower than those in the control group. The differences were significant in comparison of the two groups (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture apparently shortens the time of first automatic micturition after spinal anesthesia and promotes the recovery of bladder urinary reflection. This therapy acts on promoting urination and reducing postoperative urinary retention.