The Effect of TEAS on the Quality of Early Recovery

Summary

During the past four decades, gynecologic laparoscopy has evolved from a limited method to an advanced operative approach that frequently serves as a substitute for laparotomy. The advantages of laparoscopy over laparotomy include less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and reduced blood loss. However, in the surgery CO2 increases the intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressure, which leads to cardiac output decrease and increases sympathetic activity in a reflex. On the other hand, CO2 accumulation in the body leads to hypercapnia, which indirectly stimulates aortic body chemosensory organs and carotid sinus, increasing the concentration of plasma catecholamines, cortisol and vasopressin , these responses have an important impact on patient recovery after surgery.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method to treat diseases and relieve pain. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), a noninvasive adjunctive intervention based on acupuncture, has been widely accepted and used worldwide. To date, multiple studies have demonstrated TEAS could reduce intra-operative opioid drugs consumption, reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and improve postoperative cognitive function. However, whether TEAS could improve the quality of early recovery after gynecologic laparoscopy is unknown. In this study we therefore investigated the effects of TEAS at the acupoints of Baihui (GV20), Yingtang (EX-HN3), Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) on the quality of early recovery in the patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery.

Conditions

• C.Delivery; Surgery (Previous), Gynecological
• Inappropriate Device Stimulation of Tissue
• Delayed Emergence From Anesthesia

Interventions

OTHER

TEAS

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, bilateral Baihui (GV20), Yingtang (EX-HN3), Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) were chosen as the acupuncture points. These acupoints were identified according to the traditional anatomic localization . Gel electrodes were applied to the skin after it had been cleaned with ethyl alcohol. The acupoints were then stimulated electrically with an intensity of 12-15 mA and dense-disperse frequency of 2/100 Hz for 30 min, using the Hwato electronic acupuncture treatment instrument (model No. SDZ-V, Suzhou Medical Appliances Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China). The intensity was adjusted to maintain a slight twitching of local muscles according to individual maximum tolerance, indicating a satisfactory of De-Qi phenomenon and thus adequate stimulation.

OTHER

Con

The patients in the Con group had the electrodes applied at the same acupoints, but received no stimulation.

DRUG

propofol, remifentanil, vecuronium

Anesthesia was induced i.v. with propofol (2 mg kg-1) and remifentanil (1 μg kg-1) using a target-controlled infusion (TCI) system. After loss of consciousness, vecuronium (0.1 mg kg-1) was administered i.v.

OTHER

mechanical ventilation

Patients' lungs were mechanically ventilated in a volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 8ml kg-1 body weight during the operation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

29 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2013-11-30

Primary Completion

2014-07-31

Completion

2014-11-30