Effect of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation on prognosis in patients at high risk of postop-erative pulmonary complications / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS)on prognosis in the patients at high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Methods Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅡorⅢpatients of both sexes, aged 65-72 yr, with body mass index of 18-25 kg∕m2, scheduled for elective thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical resection of e-sophageal cancer, were divided into placebo control group(group C, n=30)and TEAS group(n=30). In group TEAS, bilateral Zusanli(ST36), Hegu(LI4)and Feishu(BL13)acupoints were stimulated for 30 min(disperse-dense waves, frequency 2∕100 Hz, intensity of currents 8-12 mA)starting from 30 min be-fore anesthesia induction.In group C, electrodes were placed on the same acupoints before anesthesia induc-tion, but no current was given.General anesthesia was performed in two groups.Before one-lung ventilation, at 30 min and 2 h of one-lung ventilation and at 1 h after operation(T1-4), blood samples were drawn from the radial artery for blood gas analysis, and oxygenation index and alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference were calculated.Blood samples were collected from the internal jugular vein at T1-3and 24 h after surgery(T5)for determination of plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6(IL-6)and IL-10 con-centrations.The development of postoperative pulmonary complications, time for removal of drainage tube and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results Compared with group C, the oxygenation index at T2-4and plasma IL-10 concentrations at T3were significantly increased, the alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference at T2,3, plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations at T2,3, plasma IL-10 concentrations at T3,5and incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications were decreased, and the time for removal of drainage tube and length of hospital stay were shortened in group TEAS(P<0.05). Conclusion TEAS can improve prognosis in the patients at high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications.