Abstract
BackgroundPostoperative gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction (PGD) is a common problem after abdominal surgery. PGD can increase the length of hospital stay and may lead to serious complications. Acupuncture and moxibustion are alternative therapies for PGD that have been used in some settings. However, the effect of preventive application of acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation (TEAS) is still uncertain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of the continuous application of TEAS on GI function recovery in adults undergoing abdominal surgery. At the same time, we will try to confirm the mechanism of TEAS through the brain–gut axis.Methods/designThis study is a prospective, single-center, two-arm, randomized controlled trial that will be performed in a general hospital. In total, 280 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were stratified by type of surgery (i.e. gastric or colorectal procedure) and randomized into two treatment groups. The experimental group will receive TEAS stimulation at L14 and PC6, ST36 and ST37. The sham group will receive pseudo-TEAS at sham acupoints. The primary outcome will be the time to the first bowel motion by auscultation. The recovery time of flatus, defecation, the changes in perioperative brain–intestinal peptides, postoperative pain, perioperative complications, and hospitalization duration will be the secondary outcomes.DiscussionThe results of this study will demonstrate that continuous preventive application of TEAS can improve the GI function recovery in patients undergoing abdominal surgery and that this effect may act through brain–gut peptides.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900023263. Registered on 11 May 2019.
Highlights
Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) refers to a series of clinical syndromes in which digestive tract symptoms are the main manifestation after a surgical operation
The results of this study will demonstrate that continuous preventive application of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation (TEAS) can improve the GI function recovery in patients undergoing abdominal surgery and that this effect may act through brain–gut peptides
Sample size calculation Due to a lack of related reports on the preventive usage of TEAS in patients undergoing GI surgery, we evaluated the effectiveness of TEAS according to our preexperimental results
Summary
Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) refers to a series of clinical syndromes in which digestive tract symptoms are the main manifestation after a surgical operation. The most common postoperative syndromes affect the gastric, intestinal, and biliary tract systems, and patients often experience symptoms such as abdominal distension, constipation, nausea and vomiting, and defecation disorders. Despite ongoing research and different new drug treatments, the incidence of abdominal distention within 24 h of an operation is 8%–28% of all surgeries [3]. For postoperative patients in the hospital, restoring the normal function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as soon as possible for postoperative rehabilitation is a very important step. Postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction (PGD) is a common problem after abdominal surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of the continuous application of TEAS on GI function recovery in adults undergoing abdominal surgery. We will try to confirm the mechanism of TEAS through the brain–gut axis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
