The Effect of Acupressure on Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Prospective Three-Arm Randomized Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial
This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of acupressure on postoperative pain following laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. A total of 90 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard postoperative care alone (control group), true acupressure plus standard care, or sham acupressure plus standard care. Acupressure will be applied at postoperative hours 1, 4, and 8 using the bilateral P6 (Neiguan), LI4 (Hegu), ST36 (Zusanli), and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) acupoints. The sham group will receive pressure at non-acupuncture points. The primary outcome is postoperative pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include analgesic consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, time to mobilization, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications.
• Adults aged 18 to 75 years
• Diagnosis of a unilateral primary inguinal hernia
• Scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to III without an anticipated need for postoperative intensive care
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent