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Perioperative transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for improving postoperative gastrointestinal function: A
Wen-Jing Li1, Chao Gao2, Li-Xin An1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
Journal of Integrative Medicine
|January 26, 2021
Summary
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) significantly speeds up gastrointestinal recovery after abdominal surgery. This minimally invasive approach reduces postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) and associated symptoms, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Recovery
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is a common complication following major abdominal surgery.
- Acupuncture offers a minimally invasive approach for managing gastrointestinal conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in improving gastrointestinal function post-gastric and colorectal surgery.
- To assess TEAS's impact on PGD incidence, pain, nausea, vomiting, and economic factors.
Main Methods:
- 280 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomized into TEAS or sham groups.
- TEAS was applied perioperatively and for three days post-surgery.
- Outcomes included time to first bowel motion, flatus, ambulation, substance P levels, PGD incidence, pain, PONV, and costs.
Main Results:
- TEAS significantly reduced time to first bowel motion, flatus, and ambulation (P < 0.01).
- The incidence of PGD was significantly lower in the TEAS group (18.6% vs. 31.4%, P < 0.05).
- TEAS also decreased postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting, hospitalization days, and costs (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Perioperative TEAS promotes gastrointestinal function recovery and reduces PGD and PONV incidence.
- TEAS may regulate gastrointestinal function via the brain-gut axis, indicated by decreased substance P levels.
- TEAS is an effective intervention for improving surgical recovery and reducing healthcare costs.
