The Effects of Acupuncture Application on Preoperative Anxiety and Perioperative Hemodynamics in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture on preoperative anxiety and perioperative hemodynamic parameters in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. Methods: Sixty patients (30 control, 30 acupuncture group) aged 18 years or older who underwent bariatric surgery were enrolled. The control group received standard care, while the acupuncture group additionally received acupuncture. Anxiety was assessed using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) and the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) before and after intervention. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded at baseline and 20 min after the intervention in the preoperative period, and intraoperatively at 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. Results: Baseline APAIS and STAI-I scores were similar between the groups. After intervention, the acupuncture group had significantly lower APAIS and STAI-I scores than the control group ( p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). The heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (MBP) at 20 min postintervention also decreased significantly in the acupuncture group ( p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative HR and MBP values between the two groups. Conclusions: Acupuncture is a safe, low-cost, and effective method for reducing preoperative anxiety and improving hemodynamics in bariatric surgery patients.