Smartphone‐controlled patch electro‐acupuncture versus conventional pain relief during colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial

Background Smartphone‐controlled patch electro‐acupuncture (SCEA) is a novel device which gives the same analgesic effect as with conventional acupuncture. There are no published articles in the English literature on the use of this device as a primary mode of pain relief during colonoscopy. Primary aims of this study were to investigate the efficacy of SCEA as a substitute for pain relief during colonoscopy. Methods Thirty‐seven patients were randomized to receive SCEA (n = 19) or placebo (n = 18) during colonoscopy. Additional rescue sedation was administered to patients if they had pain or discomfort during the procedure. Visual analogue scale was used to quantify the intensity of pain from the beginning to end of the procedure. Other variables analysed were the amount of sedation used, duration from start to caecal intubation, length of time for completion of colonoscopy and recovery time to home discharge. Results Patients who received SCEA had a lower median pain score of 4.6 (interquartile range 5.7) compared to the placebo group of 6.0 (interquartile range 3.2). Statistical analysis comparing the groups revealed a non‐significant P‐value of 0.12, although more than 90% of the patients indicated willingness for SCEA as the primary analgesia if they were to repeat the procedure. Throughout the study, there were no adverse complications that occurred during the use of SCEA. Conclusions Even though this study did not demonstrate, a significance in pain reduction, SCEA remains a safe modality which, more than 90% of patients favoured as a substitute for pain relief during colonoscopy. The use of an acupuncture device was known to reduce pain and discomfort during the gastrointestinal procedure. We study the use of mobile phone electroacupuncture on reducing the pain and discomfort during colonoscopy. This device has more versatility and portability. Its use is safe and convenient. Its use may reduce the usage of sedatives and opiates during colonoscopy procedure. Sedative‐free colonoscopy may be more frequently adapted to with the advent of such device.