OBJECTIVETo observe the effect difference between the catgut embedding method and electroacupuncture in treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands.

METHODSEighty-six cases were divided into a catgut embedding group and an electroacupuncture group according to their treatment order, including 43 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with such points as Danzhong (CV 17), Qihai (CV 6), Jianjing (GB 21), Qihu (ST 13) etc. The treatment in the catgut embedding group was carried out every 1-2 weeks and 8 times as a course of treatment; the treatment in the electroacupuncture group was carried out every other day, 24 times as a course of treatment; the effects were analyzed respectively at the end of the first course and 3 months after the end of the second course of treatment.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 69.8% (30/43) in the catgut embedding group and 88.4% (38/43) in the electroacupuncture group after the first course of treatment, there was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05); the cured-markedly effective rate of catgut embedding group was 87.8% (36/41) compared with 69.7% (23/33) in the electroacupuncture group after the two courses of treatment, which was significant difference (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONBoth the catgut embedding and electroacupuncture therapies have good clinical effects in treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands. The therapeutic effect is better in the electroacupuncture group after the first therapeutic course while that of acupoint catgut embedding is better after two therapeutic courses.