Electroacupuncture for ileus after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomised sham-controlled study.

1. Electroacupuncture at acupoints of Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Hegu, and Zhigou is more effective than no acupuncture and sham acupuncture in stimulating early return of bowel function and reducing analgesic requirement after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. 2. Electroacupuncture is more effective than no acupuncture in reducing the duration of hospital stay. 3. Receipt of electroacupuncture is an independent predictor of shorter duration of ileus and hospital stay after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.