Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoints Stimulation Improves Spontaneous Voiding Recovery After Laparoscopic...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Urology
• Surgical Recovery

Background:

• Postoperative urinary retention is a common complication after cholecystectomy.
• Facilitating spontaneous voiding is crucial for preventing urinary retention.
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy necessitates effective strategies for rapid patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in accelerating spontaneous voiding recovery post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• To assess the impact of TEAS on reducing postoperative urinary retention (POUR) and other related complications.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 1,948 participants undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• Participants were assigned to either active TEAS or sham TEAS, applied intraoperatively and postoperatively.
• Primary outcome: spontaneous voiding recovery speed; Secondary outcomes: POUR, voiding dysfunction, pain, anxiety, depression, and early ambulation.

Main Results:

• TEAS significantly shortened the time to first spontaneous voiding (5.6h vs 7.0h, p<0.001).
• The TEAS group showed reduced incidence of POUR (p=0.020), voiding difficulty (p<0.001), anxiety/depression (p<0.001), and pain (p=0.007).
• Earlier ambulation was observed in the TEAS group (p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation is an effective intervention for accelerating spontaneous voiding.
• TEAS successfully reduces postoperative urinary retention and associated symptoms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• This technique enhances overall patient recovery following the surgical procedure.