Effect of Electroacupuncture on Postoperative Urinary Retention After Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: Study Protocol for A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a prevalent complication following radical surgery for cervical cancer, significantly impairing patients' quality of life. Electroacupuncture (EA) has shown potential benefits in alleviating POUR symptoms. However, its efficacy in some specific clinical contexts remains to be systematically evaluated.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective, single-blinded, single-center, randomized controlled trial designed to compare the efficacy of EA versus sham EA for POUR after radical cervical cancer surgery. A total of 208 patients with POUR after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer will be randomly allocated to the EA group or the sham EA group at a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the EA group will receive EA treatment at a frequency of 5 sessions per week for 2 weeks, while those in the sham EA group will undergo sham EA interventions on the same schedule. The primary outcome will be the response rate of participants with successful urinary catheter removal. Secondary outcomes will include the changes in post-void residual (PVR) volume, assessment of urinary tract infection (UTI), and quality of life assessment according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scale. All analyses will be conducted in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle.

ETHICS/DISSEMINATION: This study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital on 20 October 2025 (approval number: IRB-2025-1315). The trial will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of EA on POUR after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Results will be disseminated to the medical community through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations to inform clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the identification number of NCT07253194 (https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/, 28 November 2025).