The role of acupuncture in the treatment of women with pain in endometriosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Given the high numbers of recent cases related to Endometriosis, acupuncture has become a first line of treatment to alleviate the discomfort caused by endometriosis. Numerous studies have reported that acupuncture has a distinct effect when treating the discomfort caused by endometriosis. The primary advantages include various treatment methods, simple administration, minimal adverse reactions, and having no impact on the intrauterine environment. This study aims to elucidate the role of acupuncture in treating pain associated with endometriosis. METHODS: The authors will search 6 online-based databases to find Randomized Controlled Trials related to determining the role of acupuncture in treating pain from endometriosis. The assessed primary outcomes include the clinical effective rate, variation in the level of pain, and variation in peripheral blood CA-125 level. A comprehensive meta-analysis statistical software will be used to conduct all analyses. RESULTS: This study will assess the role of acupuncture when it is used to treat pain arising from endometriosis. CONCLUSION: The conclusions presented in the metanalysis will present a scientific-based theoretical framework and a standardized clinical guidance for treating endometriosis-related pain. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis does not require an ethics approval as it does not collect any primary data from patients. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: September 28, 2021.osf.io/htukv. (https://osf.io/htukv/).