A randomized, single-blind, prospective trial of auricular 'battlefield' acupuncture for the reduction of postoperative tonsillectomy pain in adults.

AIM: The purpose of this randomized, single-blind trial was to evaluate the efficacy of battlefield acupuncture in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption after adult tonsillectomy.

METHODS: Adult participants undergoing a tonsillectomy were randomized to either receive auricular 'battlefield' acupuncture or not. Groups were compared using the Wilcox rank sum test, Fisher's exact test and a generalized estimating equations model for post-discharge pain scores.

RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was not noted for morphine equivalent opioid use, nor was there any difference noted in the pain scores between the control group and treatment group.

CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is cheap, safe and effective in many settings. Peri-operative battlefield auricular acupuncture did not reduce postoperative pain or opioid consumption in this study.