Pain research & management
Effects of Acupoint Application on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Intravesical Instillation After Bladder Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Crossover Exploratory Study
By Shi L, Chen C, Li L and 9 others.
Abstract
Objective
Patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) often experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after postoperative intravesical instillation, impairing quality of life and treatment adherence. This study explored the effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupoint application on postinstillation LUTS and quality of life.
Methods
In this randomized, single-blind, crossover exploratory study, patients receiving postoperative intravesical instillation alternately underwent conventional instillation or instillation following TCM acupoint application, separated by a 1-week washout period. Primary outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) scores and 24-h voiding diary parameters. Secondary outcomes included EORTC QLQ-C30 and FACT scores. The outcome measures were analyzed using linear mixed-effects model (LMM).