Effectiveness of an immediate postoperative electroacupuncture session for the recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of one session of electroacupuncture (EA) in the immediate postoperative period for the recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: A randomized, assessor-blinded controlled trial was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023 with 1:1 allocation to the intervention group and the control group. Eighty-four patients with benign gallbladder disease based on conventional diagnostic criteria were randomly assigned to one of the two different groups. The intervention group received a 30 min EA treatment at LI4, PC6, ST36 and LR3 (2/100 Hz frequency, 1 mA average intensity) that was given immediately after surgery. All patients received standard perioperative management based on an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. Time to first flatus was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included time to first defecation and first normal bowel sound, as well as evaluation of abdominal distension/pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Results: The intervention group had a shorter time to first flatus and time to first normal bowel sound. They also had a lower overall incidence of postoperative abdominal distension, pain and PONV over the first 24 h. The degree/grading of abdominal distension was also lower at 12 h and that of abdominal pain and PONV was lower at both 12 and 24 h postoperatively. Conclusion: One session of EA immediately after surgery may reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD). Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200064748 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry)