Clinical Efficacy Observation of Acupuncture at Zusanli and Yanglingquan Points as Adjuvant Therapy to Antibiotics for Acute Calculous Cholecystitis (ACC)

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34) as an adjunct to antibiotics in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC). Methods This prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted from January 2023 to December 2025. Of 152 patients assessed, 44 were excluded (30 did not meet inclusion criteria, 12 declined participation, and 2 were excluded for other reasons), and 108 were randomized (1:1) to the control or acupuncture groups ( n = 54 each). The control group received intravenous ceftriaxone (2 g/day) plus metronidazole (500 mg q8 h) for 7 days, followed by oral antibiotics to complete 10 days. The acupuncture group received the same antibiotics plus daily acupuncture at ST36 and GB34 for 7 days. Primary outcomes were VAS pain score, WBC, and CRP measured at baseline, day 3, day 7, and month 1. Secondary outcomes included gallbladder wall thickness, hospital stay, and overall efficacy. Analysis followed intention-to-treat, with blinded outcome assessors and statisticians. Results At day 7, the acupuncture group showed significantly lower VAS (1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.7, P < 0.001), WBC (6.2 ± 1.0 vs. 8.3 ± 0.8, P < 0.001), and CRP (13.0 ± 3.4 vs. 35.7 ± 6.5, P < 0.001). Hospital stay was shorter (6.0 ± 1.8 vs. 10.4 ± 2.0 days, P < 0.001). The cured rate was higher in the acupuncture group (26 (48.1%) vs. 8 (14.8%), P < 0.001). No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion Acupuncture at ST36 and GB34 as an adjunct to antibiotics significantly improves clinical outcomes in ACC, with faster pain relief, reduced inflammation, and shorter hospitalization.