Transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation (TEAS) for gastrointestinal dysfunction in adults undergoing abdominal surgery: study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction (PGD) is a common problem after abdominal surgery. PGD can increase the length of hospital stay and may lead to serious complications. Acupuncture and moxibustion are alternative therapies for PGD that have been used in some settings. However, the effect of preventive application of acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation (TEAS) is still uncertain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of the continuous application of TEAS on GI function recovery in adults undergoing abdominal surgery. At the same time, we will try to confirm the mechanism of TEAS through the brain–gut axis. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a prospective, single-center, two-arm, randomized controlled trial that will be performed in a general hospital. In total, 280 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were stratified by type of surgery (i.e. gastric or colorectal procedure) and randomized into two treatment groups. The experimental group will receive TEAS stimulation at L14 and PC6, ST36 and ST37. The sham group will receive pseudo-TEAS at sham acupoints. The primary outcome will be the time to the first bowel motion by auscultation. The recovery time of flatus, defecation, the changes in perioperative brain–intestinal peptides, postoperative pain, perioperative complications, and hospitalization duration will be the secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will demonstrate that continuous preventive application of TEAS can improve the GI function recovery in patients undergoing abdominal surgery and that this effect may act through brain–gut peptides. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900023263. Registered on 11 May 2019.