Acupuncture Analgesia for Surgery - Initial Experiences in Ibadan,Nigeria

Abstract

Standard Chinese Acupuncture technique was used for surgical operations in seven Nigerian patients being exposed to acupuncture for the first time. Four of seven patients had analgesia adequate enough for their surgery. While the technique is simple and safe, the pre-operatiye preparations, prolonged induction, use of adjuvants and lack of muscle relaxation are serious disadvantages in an environment where there is shortage of anaesthetic personnel. It may find a place, however, in poor risk patients for whom general anaesthesia is contraindicated.