A randomized, placebo-controlled study of magnetic acupuncture for supplementary analgesia after laparoscopic appendectomy in children

Magnetic acupuncture (MA) is a noninvasive technique potentially useful for postoperative pain reduction. While anecdotal case series have reported analgesic effects, this has not been systematically studied. We evaluated the analgesic properties of supplemental MA versus placebo and standard treatment in children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). Children age 2–18 years who underwent LA for acute appendicitis were recruited from 2018 through 2020. Standardized postoperative pain medication including Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and narcotics were given as needed. Patients were randomized to 3 groups: Group 1 had adhesive acupuncture magnets placed on 5 predetermined meridian points for 48 h. Group 2 had corresponding non-magnetic adhesive metal disks placed in the same locations. Group 3 received no supplemental treatment. Pain was measured every 4 h using a 1–10 Visual-Analog-Scale (VAS). Cumulative demand of as-needed pain medication was calculated. Patients and families were handed open questionnaires upon discharge assessing satisfaction with treatment. A total of 126 patients were randomized. Groups were similar in age and gender distribution. Differences of means of cumulative VAS scores were significantly lower for group 1 (8.0,SD5.2) compared to group 2 (12.8,SD4.4; -4.8[95%CI -7.1 to -2.5], p