Clinical effect of moxibustion combined with acupoint application on early prevention of postpartum urinary retention in women with epidural analgesia and vaginal delivery.

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia increases postpartum urinary retention (PPUR) risk. This study assessed a combined acupuncture and acupoint application therapy for the prevention of PPUR.

OBJECTIVE

Through a retrospective cohort study, the effect of acupuncture combined with acupoint application therapy on preventing early PPUR in parturients who received epidural analgesia and delivered vaginally in a real clinical setting was evaluated.

METHOD: In a retrospective cohort of 464 parturients receiving epidural analgesia, 240 received acupuncture (Shenque, Qihai) plus acupoint application (Shenque, Guanyuan, bilateral Shuidao) starting 2 hours postpartum for two days, while 224 received routine care. Outcomes included PPUR incidence (inability to void within 6 hours or residual volume ≥150 mL), time to first void, residual volume, and catheterization rate.

RESULTS

The intervention group showed significantly lower PPUR incidence (11.67% vs. 25.89%, p < 0.01), earlier voiding (3.52±1.21h vs. 5.37±1.67h, p < 0.01), reduced residual volume (85.63±31.74mL vs. 128.95±45.21mL, p < 0.01), and lower catheterization (4.17% vs. 11.16%, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed reduced PPUR risk (OR=0.393, 95% CI: 0.206 - 0.749). No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture combined with acupoint application may effectively reduce PPUR and improve postpartum bladder recovery with good safety.