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Combined Acupoint Massage and Abdominal Mirabilite Application for Accelerating Gastrointestinal Recovery in
Xiaowei Pu1, Shan Wang2, Chen Cui1
1Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai, Shanghai, China.
Insights
This study investigates acupoint massage and mirabilite application to speed up gastrointestinal recovery in children after ERCP. Findings may lead to a new non-drug treatment for faster recovery and fewer complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Clinical Trial Research
Background:
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is vital for pediatric hepatobiliary diseases.
- Post-ERCP gastrointestinal dysfunction (delayed flatus/defecation) prolongs recovery and increases complications.
- Nonpharmacological interventions like acupoint massage and mirabilite lack robust evidence in pediatric ERCP patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the individual and combined effects of acupoint massage and mirabilite application.
- To assess the acceleration of gastrointestinal recovery in pediatric patients post-ERCP.
- To determine the efficacy of these nonpharmacological methods in improving postoperative outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 72 pediatric patients (2-12 years).
- Four groups: acupoint massage, mirabilite application, combination therapy, and conventional care.
- Primary outcome: time to first postoperative flatus and defecation; secondary outcomes: nausea, vomiting, and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- The trial is ongoing, with participant recruitment initiated in November 2024 and completion expected by October 2026.
- As of January 2026, 38 pediatric patients have been enrolled and randomized.
- Data collection and intervention delivery are in progress; final analysis is pending completion of recruitment and follow-up.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to rigorously examine acupoint massage and mirabilite for pediatric ERCP gastrointestinal recovery.
- Positive results could support a safe, nonpharmacological protocol to improve outcomes.
- Potential to reduce hospital stays and complications in pediatric patients post-ERCP.
Background:
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is crucial for managing pediatric hepatobiliary diseases but frequently results in postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction such as delayed flatus and defecation, which can prolong recovery and increase the risk of complications. Nonpharmacological interventions such as acupoint massage and mirabilite application offer potential benefits, but evidence for their efficacy and synergy in children after ERCP is lacking.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the individual and combined effects of acupoint massage and abdominal mirabilite application on accelerating gastrointestinal recovery in pediatric patients following ERCP.
Methods:
A single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted involving 72 children aged between 2 and 12 years who have undergone ERCP. Participants will be randomly allocated to 1 of the 4 groups: acupoint massage group (stimulating ST-36, ST-25, CV-12, and PC-6 for 2 minutes per point; twice daily), mirabilite group (abdominal application for 1 hour; twice daily), combination group (both interventions; at least 1 hour apart), or conventional care group. The primary outcome is the time to first postoperative flatus and defecation. The secondary outcomes include the frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting and inflammatory markers. Data will be analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis with SPSS, using ANOVA, chi-square, and nonparametric tests as appropriate.
Results:
This trial is currently in progress, having received funding in January 2023 and July 2023. Participant recruitment commenced on November 1, 2024, with an anticipated completion date of October 30, 2026. As of January 2026, a total of 38 pediatric patients have been enrolled and randomized, while data collection and intervention delivery are ongoing. No interim analysis has been conducted. The final analysis will begin after recruitment and follow-up are complete, with primary results expected to be published in the second half of 2026.
Conclusions:
This study is the first to rigorously assess the efficacy and potential synergistic effects of acupoint massage and mirabilite application for enhancing gastrointestinal recovery after pediatric ERCP. Positive findings could establish a safe, nonpharmacological protocol to improve postoperative outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and minimize complications in this vulnerable population.
Trial Registration:
International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry ITMCTR2025000670; https://itmctr.ccebtcm.org.cn/mgt/project/view/3385640124071694411.
International Registered Report Identifier (Irrid):
DERR1-10.2196/87961.
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