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Electroacupuncture Before Gastrectomy Accelerates Recovery from Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: A Feasibility Study
Liping Wang1, Libing Huang1, Sha Li1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China.
Medical Acupuncture
|January 16, 2023
Summary
Preoperative electroacupuncture (EA) is feasible and acceptable for patients undergoing open gastrectomy, improving satisfaction. Further trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness in reducing postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is a common complication after open gastrectomy.
- Optimizing recovery and patient experience is crucial in gastrointestinal surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of preoperative electroacupuncture (EA) in managing PGD.
- To assess patient acceptance and satisfaction with EA before open gastrectomy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients undergoing open gastrectomy.
- The intervention group received EA at ST-36, ST-37, and ST-39 points 30 minutes pre-surgery.
- The control group received usual care without acupuncture.
Main Results:
- Preoperative EA was feasible and highly acceptable to patients, with 80% reporting good satisfaction.
- The EA group showed a statistically significant shorter time to first flatus (P=0.013).
- No significant differences were observed in time to first defecation, liquid diet, abdominal distension, nausea, or vomiting between groups. EA-related adverse events were similar.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative EA is a feasible and acceptable intervention for patients undergoing open gastrectomy, enhancing postoperative satisfaction.
- While EA accelerated first flatus, its overall effectiveness on PGD requires further investigation.
- A large multicentered trial is recommended to validate the efficacy of EA in reducing PGD.
