Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Improves Postoperative Nutrition and Promotes Early Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the postoperative nutritional status and recovery of gastrointestinal function in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with ASA grade I-II, undergoing laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer surgery under elective general anesthesia were selected. They were divided into two groups according to the random number table method: the TEAS group (T group) and the sham stimulation group (S group). Two groups of patients were given separate transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation and sham stimulation for 30 min at the Hegu (LI4), Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), Xiajuxu (ST39), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) points. The intervention time point from the day before surgery, 30 minutes before the start of anesthesia induction, at the start of skin incision, and at the end of surgery to the first, second, and third postoperative days. Changes in serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), and transferrin (TRF) were observed, postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function, and the incidence of postoperative complications were observed. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the general data of the two groups; TP, ALB, PA, and TRF in both groups decreased significantly (P<0.05) on postoperative day 1 and 3 compared with those on preoperative day 1. TP, ALB, PA, and TRF were significantly higher in patients in group T than in group S on postoperative days 3 and 7, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The time to first ventilation, time to defecation, and time to liquid diet were all significantly shorter in group T than in group S. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension was significantly lower in group T than in group S, with a significant statistical difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation can improve postoperative serum protein levels and promote postoperative early recovery in patients with colorectal cancer.