ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) for treatment of morphine sulfate caused constipation in tumor patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-six tumor patients suffering from constipation caused by oral taking of morphine sulfate controlled-release tablet were equally randomized into the treated group treated with EA [on the bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Tianshu (ST25) points] and the control group treated with citrate-mosapride tablet. The overall therapeutic effect and scores of constipation in both groups were estimated after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Scores of constipation in terms of frequency, time, and difficulty degree of defecation, as well as stool properties, were all improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05); the total score of constipation was 5.52 +/- 1.54 and 5.70 +/- 2.49 in the two groups respectively, which in the treated group was better, and showed significant difference compared with the score in the control group (P<0.01). The overall effective rate was 97.0% in the treated group and 87.9% in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA has a good effect in treating constipation caused by oral taking of morphine sulfate controlled-release tablet.</p>