RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effects of acupuncture with elongated needle on urinary retention after spinal cord injury. METHODS: A total of 66 patients with urinary retention after spinal cord injury were randomized into an elongated needle group (34 cases) and a filiform needle group (32 cases). In both of the groups, the routine orthopedic treatment and the bladder function training were adopted. Additionally, in the elongated needle group, the acupuncture at Zhibian (BL 54) and Shuidao (ST 28) was used with the elongated needle. In the filiform needle group, the acupuncture with filiform needle was used at Zhibian (BL 54) and Shuidao (ST 28). In both of the groups, acupuncture treatment was provided once every two days, for 2 months consecutively. Separately, before treatment and after 1, 2 month treatment, the residual urine volume, urodynamic parameters (bladder capacity, peak urinary flow rate and bladder pressure) and safety indicators were observed in the patients of the two groups. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: As compared with the results before treatment, the residual urine volume was reduced obviously (all P<0.01), bladder capacity, peak urinary flow rate and bladder pressure were improved obviously (all P<0.01) after 1, 2 month treatment in the two groups. After 1, 2 month treatment, the residual urine volume in the elongated needle group was lower than the filiform needle group (both P<0.01). The improvements in bladder capacity, peak urinary flow rate and bladder pressure in the elongated needle group were superior to the filiform needle (all P<0.01). The total effective rate was 94.1% (32/34) in the elongated needle group, higher than 71.9% (23/32) in the filiform needle group (P<0.01). During treatment, there was no damage of kidney function, no fainting or broken needle happened in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture with elongated needle achieves the significant effects on urinary retention after spinal cord injury. This therapy is better than acupuncture with filiform needle and safe in operation.