Acupuncture instead of codeine for tonsillectomy pain in children

Abstract

The data tentatively suggest that acupuncture decreases perceived pain in children and adolescents after tonsillectomy. These data - combined with the cost effectiveness, safety and ease of administering acupuncture - suggest that further studies exploring the effectiveness of acupuncture in juveniles after tonsillectomy are merited.

Korean hand therapy for tonsillectomy pain in children

“…These current findings though statistically inconclusive and based on a limited research design -at the very least did not support the hypothesis that these factors were influencing the change reports. These outcomes also complemented the results of the previous study by Ochi (1) using traditional acupuncture.…”

“…Acupuncture in general has been shown to reduce pain (5), has a low risk of complications (6), can be done quickly, and has minimal cost (about 11 cents per needle, with many treatments requiring five or less needles). In our previous study, acupuncture was associated with decreased perceived pain in children after tonsillectomy (1). However, a significant portion of these patients (9 of 42 or about 21%) who presented for pain relief after tonsillectomy refused acupuncture because of their fear of needles.…”

“…At the same time, we wanted to see if KHT would be more widely accepted by young patients than traditional acupuncture was in our previous study (1). M a n u s c r i p t…”

Can perioperative acupuncture reduce the pain and vomiting experienced after tonsillectomy? A meta‐analysis

“…Acupuncture is an Asian medical treatment that has been practiced for more than 3,000 years and has been used to prevent pain and emesis in various settings, including the postoperative period. Its simplicity, lack of major side effects, and low cost may confer advantages over modern therapies . Its mechanism of action is not fully understood, although some proposed mechanisms include: activation of the endogenous pain inhibitory system; release of endogenous opioids such as β‐endorphins, encephalins, and dynorphins; and release of nonopioid substances such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and γ‐aminobutyric acid .…”

A Mind–Body Approach to Pediatric Pain Management

“…A number of other articles have also shown some perceived pain relief without significant adverse effects due to acupuncture. [136,137]…”