Objective To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) combined with acupoint catgut embedding the-rapy for postoperative pain after fistulotomy. Methods A total of 138 patients were randomly assigned into EA

acupoint catgut embedding and combination groups

with 46 patients in each group. The interventions were performed 30 min before surgery in all the three groups. The acupoints were Changqiang(GV1) and Chengshan(BL57). The visual analogue scale(VAS) score and limb activity score of the three groups at 6

12

24

48 and 72 h after surgery

as well as maximum VAS score within 24 h(T24 max VAS) of 1—3 d and total amounts of oral analgesic within 72 h after surgery were observed and recorded. Results The VAS score and limb activity score from the 6

12 and 24 h after surgery

and T24 max VAS score on the 1

(st)

day of the EA group were lower than those of the acupoint embedding group(P

<

0.05). While the VAS pain score and limb activity score at the 48 h and 72 h after surgery

and T24 max VAS score at the 2(st) day of the EA group were lower than those of the acupoint embedding group(P

<

0.05). While the VAS pain score and limb activity score at the 48 h and 72 h after surgery

and T24 max VAS score at the 2

(nd)

to 3(nd) to 3

(rd)

day

and total dose of oral analgesic within 72 h in the acupoint embedding group were lower than those of the EA group(P

<

0.05). The combination group was superior to the EA and acupoint embedding groups in terms of VAS score and limb activity score at different postoperative time

T24 max VAS score at 1-3 d after surgery

and the total amounts of analgesic used within 72 h(P

<

0.05). Conclusion EA combined with acupoint catgut embedding is more effective than simple EA or acupoint catgut embedding for postoperative pain after fistulotomy

with significant curative effect and no adverse reactions.