Introduction/Background In this study we explore the impact of a multimodal integrative oncology (IO) pre- and intraoperative intervention on pain and anxiety among patients undergoing gynecological oncology surgery

Methodology Study participants were randomized to three groups: Group A received preoperative touch/relaxation techniques, followed by intraoperative acupuncture; Group B preoperative touch/relaxation only; with a control group (Group C) receiving standard care. Pain and anxiety were scored before and after surgery using the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCAW) and Quality of Recovery (QOR-15) questionnaires, using Part B of the QOR to assess pain, anxiety and other quality-of-life (QoL) parameters.

Results A total of 99 patients participated in the study: 45 in Group A, 25 in Group B and 29 in Group C. The three groups had similar baseline demographic and surgery-related characteristics. Postoperative QOR-B scores were significantly higher in the treatment groups (A and B) when compared to controls (p=0.005), including for severe pain (p=0.011) and anxiety (p=0.007). Between-group improvement for severe pain was observed in Group A compared with controls (p=0.011). Within-group improvement for QOR depression subscales was observed in only the intervention groups (p<0.0001). Compared with group B, group A had better improvement of MYCAW-reported concerns (p=0.025).

Conclusion A preoperative touch/relaxation intervention may significantly reduce postoperative anxiety, possibly depression, in patients undergoing gynecological oncology surgery. The addition of intraoperative acupuncture significantly reduced severe pain when compared to controls. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and better understand the impact of intraoperative acupuncture on postoperative pain.