[Application of acupuncture-assisted anesthesia in prostate biopsy via the perineum].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore acupuncture-assisted anesthesia in transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy via the perineum. METHODS: One hundred and five cases of prostate biopsy were randomly divided into two groups. For 51 cases in observation group (group A), the periprostatic nerve plexus block and acupuncture on bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) were applied. For 54 cases in control group (group B), the simple periprostatic nerve plexus block was adopted. Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain extent after biopsy and blood pressure and heart rate were monitored before, during and after operation, separately. RESULTS: VAS scores were 0.9 +/- 0.8 and 2.8 +/- 1.0 in group A and group B, separately, indicating statistical significant difference in comparison (P < 0.01). Additionally, in group B, blood pressure and heart rate during and after operation were higher remarkably than those before operation (all P < 0.05). Moreover, in group B, blood pressure during operation and heart rate during and after operation were all higher apparently than those in group A (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture-assisted anesthesia alleviates apparently pain and discomforts during transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy via the perineum in patients and ensures the stability of blood pressure and heart rate.