Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at Zusanli (ST36) on postoperative pain following mixed...

Post-hemorrhoidectomy affects patient rehabilitation. This study evaluated the auxiliary effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at Zusanli acupoint (ST36) on the analgesic effect of conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

185 patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy were retrospectively enrolled and allocated to TEAS (95 cases receiving TEAS at ST36 post-operation) and control (90 cases receiving postoperative sham stimulation) groups. The two cohorts were comparatively assessed for pain (at rest and during defecation with the Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), gastrointestinal function, recovery indices, gastrointestinal hormone levels, stress-induced inflammatory markers (cortisol [Cor], C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6]), adverse events, and patient satisfaction. Finally, the correlation of the decrease in Cor, CRP, and IL-6 levels with the improvement of VAS scores and the gastrointestinal function recovery time was evaluated.

In the TEAS group, postoperative pain was significantly reduced relative to the control group, together with accelerated gastrointestinal function and postoperative recovery, greater improvement of gastrointestinal hormone levels, higher patient satisfaction, and lower Cor, CRP, and IL-6 concentrations. The groups were similar in the adverse event rate. ΔCor/ΔCRP was primarily related to the relief of resting pain and gastrointestinal recovery, while ΔIL-6 was mainly associated with defecation pain alleviation and gastrointestinal recovery.

Auxiliary TEAS at ST36 can safely and effectively enhance the analgesic effect of NSAIDs following hemorrhoidectomy and promote rehabilitation outcomes. Serum Cor, CRP, and IL-6, with dynamic changes in patients, are potential reference indexes for curative effect monitoring.