Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on sleep quality after radical operation for esophageal cancer / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the sleep quality of patients after radical operation for esophageal cancer.Methods:A total of 150 patients of both sexes, aged 35-60 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiology physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, with body mass index of 18.5-25.0 kg/m 2, undergoing elective radical operation for esophageal cancer, were divided into 3 groups ( n=50 each) using a random number table method: TEAS group, non-electrical stimulation group (NS group), and transcutaneous electrical non-acupoint stimulation group (TENAS group). In group TEAS, the Neiguan (PC6) and Hegu (L14) acupoints were stimulated staring from 10 min before anesthesia until the end of operation, with a frequency 2-100 Hz, disperse-dense waves and voltage 6-10 mA.In group NS, stimulating electrodes were placed at the same acupoints before induction, but no electrical stimulation was applied.Non-acupoints were stimulated staring from 10 min before anesthesia until the end of operation in group TENAS.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores were recorded at 1 day before operation and 1, 3 and 7 days after operation.The Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) scores were recorded.The duration of postanesthesia care unit stay and length of hospital stay were recorded.The development of major adverse events was recorded during hospitalization. Results:Compared with group NS and group TENAS, the total scores of PSQI and AIS and incidence of postoperative sleep disorder were significantly decreased at 1, 3 and 7 days after operation, and QoR-15 scores were increased at 1 and 2 days after operation, the incidence of pulmonary complications was reduced, and duration of postanesthesia care unit stay and length of hospital stay were shortened in group TEAS ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events such as respiratory depression, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, nausea and vomiting among the three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:TEAS can improve the sleep quality of patients after radical operation for esophageal cancer and promote postoperative outcomes.