Effect of Thread Embedding Acupuncture on Postoperative Ileus Recovery After Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Thread Embedding Acupuncture in Reducing Postoperative Ileus After Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital
300 participants
Aug 1, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This multicenter, randomized, controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) in promoting gastrointestinal recovery after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. The primary outcome is the time to first flatus. Secondary outcomes include time to first defecation, tolerance to oral intake, length of hospital stay, and patient-reported quality of life.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria1
- Age 18-80 years Diagnosed with stage I-III colorectal cancer Scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal resection ASA Physical Status I-III Ability to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria1
- History of prior major abdominal surgery Emergency or palliative surgery Combined organ resection or open conversion Severe postoperative complications (e.g., anastomotic leak, GI bleeding) Severe cardiac, hepatic, renal, or psychiatric comorbidities Refusal to undergo acupuncture
Interventions
Thread embedding acupuncture will be administered at bilateral ST36, ST37, and PC6 acupoints at 2h after surgery and electroacupuncture at same acupoints at 2h 24h, 48h, and 72h after surgery. Absorbable polydioxanone sutures will be embedded into subcutaneous tissue using sterile embedding needles. All procedures will be conducted by licensed acupuncturists following standardized operating protocols.
Electroacupuncture will be performed at the same bilateral acupoints (ST36, ST37, and PC6)
Locations(1)
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NCT07071987