The Effect of Acupuncture on Pulmonary Function Recovery Following Lung Resection

Background and Purpose:

Lung resection surgery is the standard treatment for early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, but it often leads to reduced lung volume and postoperative pain, which can hinder pulmonary recovery. While standard rehabilitation includes breathing exercises (incentive spirometry) and pain management, additional strategies are needed to enhance recovery. Acupuncture has shown benefits in managing respiratory diseases like COPD and reducing surgical pain, but its specific effectiveness in rehabilitation after lung resection has not yet been established. This study aims to evaluate whether adding acupuncture to standard postoperative care can further improve lung function and recovery.

Study Design and Methods:

This is a randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants who have undergone lung resection will be assigned to one of two groups:

Control Group: Receives standard rehabilitation (lung volume training with incentive spirometry).

Intervention Group: Receives standard rehabilitation plus acupuncture therapy.

Evaluation:

One week after surgery, researchers will perform pulmonary function tests on all participants. The study will compare the two groups primarily based on improvements in lung function. Secondary outcomes, including pain levels and quality of life, will also be assessed to determine the overall benefit and safety of integrating acupuncture into postoperative recovery.