Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2026 Nov 10;411(1):312. doi: 10.1007/s00423-026-04365-z.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Acute pain management following resection of soft tissue tumors (STTs) of the extremities is primarily based on pharmacological interventions. However, current guidelines emphasize the role of complementary non-pharmacological approaches, such as acupuncture. This prospective pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of acupuncture following STT surgery of the extremities. Furthermore, this study represents the first to systematically assess the postoperative pain trajectory in this patient population.
METHODS: In this prospective, single-arm, single-centre study, 25 patients undergoing surgical resection of STTs of the extremities received acupuncture on postoperative day (POD) 1. Pain intensity was recorded at predefined time points using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI).
RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 60.7 years. Most tumors were malignant, located in the lower extremities, with a median size of 13.1 cm. Postoperative pain at rest was minimal, with a mean NRS score of 1.2 (± 1.2) on POD 1 and below 0.5 (± 0.8) from POD 2 onward. The pain severity index of the BPI declined significantly after POD 1, reaching its lowest level at POD 3. Acupuncture was administered on POD 1. Placement of needles at the «optimal position» was feasible in 8 of 25 patients. The median length of hospital stay was four days. Wound complications occurred in eleven patients, but none were attributable to acupuncture. No other serious adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was feasible, safe, and well accepted in this postoperative setting. Pain levels and opioid requirements remained low throughout the postoperative period. Further controlled studies are warranted to assess efficacy and to refine patient selection and acupuncture techniques in this setting.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS, DRKS00032703) registeres on 18.09.2023.
PMID:43013152 | DOI:10.1007/s00423-026-04365-z
