Methods: Randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of UR were identified by searching seven comprehensive databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database) prior to September 2020. Data analysis was performed using RevMan, version 5.3, and Stata software, version 14.0.
Results: A total of 12 studies with 979 participants were included. A random-effects model was used to conduct a meta-analysis on the acupuncture group and the control group.
The results show that acupuncture can effectively promote spontaneous urination and reduce anxiety in patients with poor urination (relative risk: 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-1.53; P < 0.00001). The random-effects model showed significant differences in residual urine volume between the acupuncture group and the control group (MD: -84.79, 95% CI: -135.62 to -33.94; P=0.001).
Conclusion: Acupuncture is safe and effective in the treatment of urinary retention.
Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34630605/