Effect of electroacupuncture on the gastrointestinal function recovery after abdominal operation: a randomized controlled study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture on gastrointestinal function recovery after abdominal operation.

MethodsSixty-two patients treated with abdominal operation were randomly divided into the control group and electroacupuncture group(31cases each group).The control group was nursed with enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS) program, and the electroacupuncture group was additionally treated with electroacupuncture stimulating acupoints once a day for five days on the basis of ERAS protocol.The bowel sound recovery time, first exhaust, defecation time, postoperative abdominal distension and hospitalization time in two groups were observed.

ResultsThe bowel sound recovery time, first exhaust and defecation time in electroacupuncture group were shorter than those in control group(P < 0.01).The differences of the postoperative hospitalization time and abdominal distention after 3 days of operation were not statistically significant between two groups(P>0.05).The abdominal distention in electroacupuncture group after 5 days of operation were better than that in control group(P < 0.05).

ConclusionsElectroacupuncture can shorten the first postoperative flatus and defecation time, improve the postoperative abdominal pain, abdominal distension and gastrointestinal reaction, and relieve postoperative discomfort of patients.The electroacupuncture intervention can significantly improve the postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function, which is worthy of clinical application.