Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Pre-Operative Anxiety

Launched by JACQUES E. CHELLY · Apr 7, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called auriculotherapy to see if it can help reduce anxiety before surgery, specifically for patients undergoing a partial or total nephrectomy (surgery to remove part or all of a kidney) due to cancer. The researchers want to understand if this treatment can lower anxiety levels and, in turn, help decrease the need for opioid pain medications after surgery. Opioids can be addictive, so finding ways to manage anxiety may also reduce the risk of developing problems related to opioid use.

To participate in the trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and scheduled for a nephrectomy. You should have a specific level of anxiety as measured by a questionnaire. However, if you have a history of opioid dependence, certain chronic pain conditions, or specific ear problems, you would not be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to receive auriculotherapy and complete questionnaires about your anxiety and mood before and after the treatment to help the researchers understand its effects.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Greater than 18 years of age
• • Scheduled to undergo partial or full elective nephrectomy
• • Subject is willing and able to provide informed consent
• • Anxiety score ≥ 19 and ≤ 29 on the PROMIS Emotional Distress-Anxiety-Short Form 8a.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Opioid dependence, based on the DSM definition of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
• • Chronic pain condition where daily opioid use is needed
• • History of fibromyalgia
• • Anatomical malformation of ear (genetic or trauma-induced)
• • Vasculopathy of ear
• • Raynaud's disease
• • Patient Refusal