OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical effect differences among electroacupuncture (EA) combined with catgut implantation, simple EA and simple catgut implantation for postoperative pain of mixed hemorrhoids.

METHODSA total of 120 patients were randomly assigned into a combination group, an EA group, and a catgut implantation group, 40 cases in each one. All the interventions were applied for 30 min before the operation. The acupoints were Changqiang (GV 1) and Chengshan (BL 57). The pain scores were compared among the three groups 4 h, 12 h, 3 d, and 7 d after operation, as well as the score of maximum pain score within 24 h (24 h Max) after operation, the pain duration score within 24 h after operation, and the total dose of aulin to relieve pain within 7 d after the operation.

RESULTSThe scores in the combination group were better than those in the other two groups, including the pain scores at all the time points after operation, the 24 h Max score and the pain duration score within 24 h after the operation, as well as the dose of aulin within 7 d after the operation (all<0.05). The pain scores 4 h and 12 h after operation and the 24 h Max socre in the EA group were better than those in the catgut implantation group (all<0.05). The pain scores 3 d and 7 d after operation in the catgut implantation group were superior to those in the EA group (both<0.05). The pain duration score within 24 h after operation in the EA group was better than that in the catgut implantation group (<0.05). As for the aulin dose within 7 d after operation, the dosage in the catgut implantation group was less than that in the EA group (<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSEA combined with catgut implantation is more effective than simple EA and simple catgut implantation for postoperative pain of mixed hemorrhoid. The analgesic effect of EA is stronger and works faster, but the duration of analgesia of catgut implantation is longer. The combination of the two Methods can achieve better analgesia.