The effect of acupuncture on gastrointestinal recovery after abdominal surgery: a narrative review from clinical trials

Abstract

Abdominal surgery is a critical surgery, with more and more attention being paid to postoperative life quality and associated complications in recent years. Among these complications, postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction is the most common complication of abdominal surgery. Acupuncture therapy is a treatment approach based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, and its feasibility in aiding gastrointestinal recovery after abdominal surgery is supported by both Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and animal experiments. A lot of clinical research has been conducted to evaluate its efficacy, albeit with limitations, and at preliminary stages. Moreover, intervention timing, acupoint selection, and patient benefits should also be considered in clinical practices. This article summarizes the progress of clinical research on acupuncture therapy in gastrointestinal recovery after abdominal surgery and discusses related issues and operations, with the aim to provide new insights and prospects for the incorporation of acupuncture into the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol.

Figure 1

The use of acupuncture in abdominal surgery. During the perioperative period, patients experience three types of stimuli: anesthesia, neurologic stimulation, and inflammatory response. Mechanistically, acupuncture can affect neurologic stimulation and inflammatory response. The mechanism of acupuncture has been relatively well investigated. We advocate the validation of the actual effects of acupuncture on various types of injuries on abdominal surgery on the basis of ERAS. Optimizing trials by improving trial methodology, clinical operations, and focusing on patient benefit will result in more adequate clinical evidence. ERAS, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery.