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Efficacy of perioperative transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative pain and recovery in
Jingwen Wu1, Jie Chen2, Qianqian Tang2
1Department of Anesthesiology, School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
Background:
Movement-evoked pain following pancreatectomy is often severe and inadequately controlled by conventional analgesic regimens. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), a non-invasive technique derived from acupuncture, has shown promise in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption. However, the efficacy of extended perioperative TEAS-particularly its sustained application through the early postoperative period-has not been evaluated in patients undergoing pancreatectomy.
Methods:
This will be a prospective, single-center, two-arm, randomised controlled trial. A total of 132 patients undergoing pancreatectomy will be randomised allocated to the TEAS and the Sham TEAS groups. The TEAS group will receive stimulation (5-30mA, the stimulation intensity will be adjusted in accordance with the maximal level tolerated by each patient, 2/100 Hz alternating, on the Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), Hegu (LI4) and Waiguan (SJ5)) from 30 min before anesthesia for 30min and repeated on the first 1,2 and 3 days after surgery. The patients in the Sham TEAS group will receive electrodes applied, but will receive no stimulation. The primary outcome is the highest movement-evoked pain intensity during 72 h postoperatively, assessed by the numeric rating scale (NRS). The secondary outcomes include the highest movement-evoked pain at rest, morphine consumption, recovery quality, and sleep quality over 72 h postoperatively and levels of inflammatory factors. All statistical analyses will be performed based on the modified intention-to-treat principle.
Discussion:
This study aims to evaluate whether continuous TEAS during perioperative period (administered from 30 min before induction of anesthesia through 72 h postoperatively) will reduce the movement-evoked pain during postoperative 72 h in patients undergoing pancreatectomy. The findings may offer evidence for an effective opioid reducing anesthesia strategy that enhances analgesia and supports recovery, with potential value for broader clinical application.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06541561. Registered on 2 August 2024.
