Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1997 Mar; 17(3): 148-9.

[Clinical study of combined acupuncture-drug anesthesia for anterior approach cervical discectomy]

Li SR, Guo ZR, Liu Y.

Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of combined acupuncture-drug anesthesia for anterior approach cervical discectomy. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled for anterior approach cervical discectomy were randomized into two groups, the control group (5% procaine combined with drug anesthesia, n = 25), and the experiment group (combined acupuncture-drug anesthesia, n = 25). In the experiment group, bilateral acupoints of Neiguan (P6) and Hegu (LI4) of the patients were stimulated for 30 minutes by Hans Acupoint Nerve Stimulator through skin electrode while a combination of dolantin 25 mg and droperidol 2.5 mg were administered intravenously during induction. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference of hemodynamic variation between the two groups (P < 0.05). The experiment group could also provide the same anesthesia effect as control group did, as well as it had less postoperative complications, more rapid recovery with less expense. CONCLUSIONS: The acupuncture-drug anesthesia for anterior approach cervical discestomy is feasible and it is worthwhile to be widely used in clinical practice.