Electrical stimulation at selected acupuncture points, begun before surgery and continued immediately afterward, provided the strongest pain relief during surgical abortion.
Patients undergoing surgical abortion received transcutaneous electrical stimulation at acupuncture points under protocols varying stimulation timing, point selection, age group, and reproductive history. Researchers assessed pain during and after surgery, cervical relaxation, blood loss, and vital signs.
The most effective protocol involved stimulation beginning shortly before surgery and continuing until immediately afterward, targeting the spleen and liver meridian points. This approach was associated with improved pain control, while participants completing follow-up reported no continuing bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, or other adverse effects.
