Effect of Thread Embedding Acupuncture on Postoperative Ileus Recovery After Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

N/ARecruitingNCT07071987

Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital300 enrolled

Overview

This multicenter, randomized, controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) in promoting gastrointestinal recovery after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. The primary outcome is the time to first flatus. Secondary outcomes include time to first defecation, tolerance to oral intake, length of hospital stay, and patient-reported quality of life.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

300

Conditions

Colorectal Cancer Postoperative Ileus LARS - Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

Interventions

Thread embedding acupuncture will be administered at bilateral ST36, ST37, and PC6 acupoints at 2h after surgery and electroacupuncture at same acupoints at 2h 24h, 48h, and 72h after surgery. Absorbable polydioxanone sutures will be embedded into subcutaneous tissue using sterile embedding needles. All procedures will be conducted by licensed acupuncturists following standardized operating protocols.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-80 years Diagnosed with stage I-III colorectal cancer Scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal resection ASA Physical Status I-III Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: History of prior major abdominal surgery Emergency or palliative surgery Combined organ resection or open conversion Severe postoperative complications (e.g., anastomotic leak, GI bleeding) Severe cardiac, hepatic, renal, or psychiatric comorbidities Refusal to undergo acupuncture

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Time to First Flatus

Time (in hours) from the end of surgery to the first passage of gas per rectum

Time frame: Up to 96 hours after surgery