Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2024-12
Effect of intermittent catheterization combined with acupuncture in the treatment of urinary retention after spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial
To evaluate the effectiveness of combining intermittent catheterization with acupuncture in treating urinary retention following spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods:
Sixty-six patients were randomly assigned to either an observation group or a control group, with 33 patients in each. All underwent personalized intermittent catheterization guided by a bladder capacity scanner. The observation group received acupuncture in conjunction with catheterization, while the control group had acupuncture performed separately. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Daily records of catheterization frequency, volume, and spontaneous urination were maintained. Measurements, including maximum bladder capacity, detrusor pressure, residual urine volume, and quality of life scores, were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks.
Results:
The observation group exhibited greater improvements in catheterization reduction, spontaneous urination, detrusor pressure, residual urine volume, and quality of life compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The median time to stop catheterization was shorter in the observation group (26, 17.68–34.31 days) compared to the control group (38, 32.54–43.45 days), with a significant difference (P = 0.045).
Conclusion:
Combining intermittent catheterization with acupuncture effectively improves bladder function, reduces catheterization frequency, enhances urination, and promotes better bladder storage and voiding functions in SCI patients.
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