RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07515027

Electroacupuncture Plus 5-HT3 Receptor Inhibitor for PONV Prevention in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Thoracoscopic Lung Cancer Surgery

Electroacupuncture Combined With 5-HT3 Receptor Inhibitor for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in High-risk Patients Undergoing Thoracoscopic Surgery for Lung Cancer

Sponsor

Shanghai Chest Hospital

Enrollment

204 participants

Start Date

Apr 7, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

PONV

Summary

This prospective, randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture combined with 5-HT3 receptor inhibitor for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in high-risk patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery. The primary outcome is the incidence of PONV within 24 hours after surgery.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria8

Age ≥ 18 years;
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III;
Body mass index (BMI) 18-30 kg/m²;
Scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy, segmentectomy, or wedge resection;
Expected to receive postoperative opioid analgesia, with an Apfel risk score ≥ 3;
Normal pulmonary function, without severe cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal abnormalities;
No infection around the acupuncture sites;
Voluntary written informed consent provided by the subject.

Exclusion Criteria9

Severe systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal abnormalities, or poor pulmonary function;
Subjects with cognitive dysfunction or psychological disorders;
History of previous esophageal or gastric surgery;
Hypersensitivity to acupuncture or any study medications;
Severe infection or history of surgery around the acupuncture sites;
Pregnant or lactating women;
Long-term opioid use;
Conversion to open surgery;
Acupuncture treatment received within 1 month prior to enrollment.

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Interventions

DRUGProphylactic administration of dolasetron

Dolasetron 12.5 mg is administered prior to the completion of surgery

OTHERElectroacupuncture

EA is performed at two time points: 30 minutes before anesthesia induction and 4 hours postoperatively, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Bilateral acupoints including PC6, LI4, and ST36 are selected. Disposable stainless-steel needles are inserted through fixed insulating pads to a depth of approximately 10 mm. Manual manipulations are applied until deqi (the needling sensation) is achieved. An electroacupuncture device (Hwato SDZ-III) is connected for electrical stimulation.

OTHERSham electroacupuncture

Sham electroacupuncture (SA) is performed using a non-therapeutic placebo acupuncture device (sham needle) at the same time points, acupoint locations as the EA group, paired with fixed insulating pads. The placebo needle mimics the appearance and tactile sensation of real needles without true skin penetration or therapeutic depth; no manual manipulation is conducted to achieve deqi, and no electrical stimulation is applied via the electroacupuncture device.