RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint massage, acupoint sticking combined with moxibustion at Shuidao (ST 28) for postpartum urinary retention. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with postpartum urinary retention were randomly divided a triple-combination group, a double-combination group, and a massage group, with 40 patients in each group. All groups received standard postpartum care to stimulate urination. The patients in the massage group received rapid acupoint massage at the bilateral Shuidao (ST 28); the patients in the double-combination group additionally received acupoint sticking of self-made Tongquan powder at bilateral Shuidao (ST 28); the patients in the triple-combination group further received moxibustion at bilateral Shuidao (ST 28). The treatment was given once in all three groups. After 5 hours of treatment completion, bladder residual volume was measured; the time and volume of first urination as well as total urination volume after 5 hours of treatment completion were recorded; the patients' sensation of urination smoothness, satisfaction rate, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs were evaluated. RESULTS: The triple-combination group showed significantly lower residual urine volumes (P<0.05), earlier first urination time (P<0.05, P<0.001), and higher first urination volumes and total urination volumes after 5 hours of treatment completion compared to the other two groups (P<0.05, P<0.001). The sensation of urination smoothness and patient satisfaction were also significantly better in the triple-combination group (P<0.001, P<0.05). The double-combination group had higher volume of first urination and total urination volume after 5 hours of treatment completion than the massage group (P<0.05), and better sensation of urination smoothness and patient satisfaction (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay and costs among the three groups (P>0.05). The total effective rates were 100.0% (40/40) for the triple-combination group, 90.0% (36/40) for the double-combination group, and 70.0% (28/40) for the massage group, with the triple-combination group significantly outperforming the other two groups (P<0.05, P<0.001), and double-combination group outperforming the massage group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint massage, acupoint sticking combined with moxibustion at Shuidao (ST 28) could effectively improve urination in patients with postpartum urinary retention, and enhance patient satisfaction.
