RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of Auriculotherapy on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Surgery for SCC

This research is investigating if a therapy called auriculotherapy, which involves gentle stimulation of specific points on the ear, can effectively reduce pain experienced after carpal tunnel surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm, often treated with surgery. While auriculotherapy has shown promise in pain management, this study aims to specifically test its impact on postoperative pain in people undergoing day-case carpal tunnel surgery. By comparing real auriculotherapy with a dummy (sham) treatment, and and potentially with standard care, researchers hope to understand if this non-drug approach can be a helpful addition to pain relief strategies, improving comfort and recovery for patients in the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Clinique Bizet

Enrolment target

Start

11 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Pain After Carpal Tunnel Surgery

What is this study about?

This study is called the 'Impact of Auriculotherapy on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Surgery for SCC', but don't worry about the long name! At its heart, it's about helping people who have carpal tunnel syndrome feel less pain after their surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem where a nerve in your wrist gets squeezed, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in your hand and fingers. Surgery can help fix this, but like any operation, it can lead to pain afterwards.

Researchers are looking at a treatment called auriculotherapy. This involves gently stimulating specific points on your ear, which some believe can help with pain in other parts of the body. While there's already some encouraging evidence that auriculotherapy might help reduce pain and improve how people feel overall, more in-depth research is needed. This study aims to provide clearer answers on whether it can be a reliable option for pain relief after carpal tunnel surgery.

The main goal of this particular study is to see if auriculotherapy really helps manage pain after you've had keyhole (endoscopic) surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. They will compare a group of people receiving real auriculotherapy with another group receiving a dummy or 'sham' treatment, where it looks like they're getting the therapy but they aren't. This helps the researchers understand if any pain relief is truly due to the auriculotherapy itself, rather than just the expectation of feeling better. The results could help make decisions about whether to use auriculotherapy more widely to help patients recover more comfortably.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) for post-surgery pain.
It's for people having keyhole surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.
The aim is to see if auriculotherapy can make recovery easier.
Participants will receive either real or 'sham' auriculotherapy.
The study compares the effectiveness of these treatments.
Results could help improve pain management after surgery.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 20 years old and planning to have keyhole surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. It's also important that you haven't had auriculotherapy before this study starts, and you aren't currently involved in any other medical research.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. If you're under 20, or if you wouldn't be able to come to all the follow-up appointments needed for the study, then it won't be suitable for you. Also, if you're someone who needs legal protection, like if you have a guardian or curator, you unfortunately can't take part in this specific study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 20 years old or older?
Are you scheduled for keyhole carpal tunnel surgery?
Have you never had auriculotherapy before?
Are you able to attend all necessary follow-up appointments?
Are you not currently involved in any other medical research study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first have keyhole surgery for your carpal tunnel syndrome. After your surgery, you would receive either real auriculotherapy or a 'sham' (dummy) version of the treatment. You wouldn't know which one you were getting. The study team would carefully monitor your pain levels and how you're feeling afterwards. The researchers are particularly interested in how effective the treatment is for pain management. You would have specific follow-up appointments where they would ask you about your pain and general well-being. The exact number of visits and the total length of your involvement would be explained to you fully before you agree to join.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that the auriculotherapy might help reduce your pain after surgery, potentially making your recovery more comfortable. There are very few known risks with auriculotherapy; these are usually minor, like slight discomfort around the ear. The 'sham' treatment means you might not receive an active treatment. You will be closely monitored, and your safety is the top priority. Remember, participating in any study is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your routine medical care.

Locations (2)

Benkessou
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting
Bizet Clinic
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

It's a condition where a nerve in your wrist gets squashed, causing pain, tingling, and numbness in your hand and fingers.

What is auriculotherapy?

It's a treatment that involves gently stimulating specific points on your ear, thought to help with pain elsewhere in the body.

Why is this study being done?

The study aims to see if auriculotherapy can help reduce pain after carpal tunnel surgery, making recovery more comfortable for patients.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or not?

No, this is a 'double-blind' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know who gets the real auriculotherapy and who gets the dummy treatment.

Can I stop participating in the study if I want to?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

bouchra BENKESSOU, PM

b.benkessou@hexagone-sante-paris.fr 0033764486016 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.