Application of Meridian flow injection acupoint application combined with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in patients undergoing gastroenteroscopy.

Abstract

Background: Although gastroscopy is a commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic technique, postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction is prone to occur. Traditional Chinese medicine theory suggests that postoperative gastrointestinal disorders are related to spleen and stomach weakness. This study hypothesizes that the combination of acupoint application at the Ziwu Liuzhu acupoint and percutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation can promote postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery and alleviate stress reactions.

Aim: To investigate the effects of acupoint application of Ziwu Liuzhu combined with percutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation on postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery and stress response in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy surgery.

Methods: A total of 120 patients who underwent gastroscopy surgery were selected and treated between October 2024 and January 2025. This study used a stratified block randomization method, and then allocated groups using computer-generated random number sequences (SAS 9.4 software). The groups were divided into two groups: A control group of 60 patients who received routine postoperative intervention measures, and an observation group of 60 patients who received acupuncture point application combined with transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation therapy. The therapeutic effects were compared after 3 days of treatment.

Results: The mean time of first defecation was 3.20 ± 1.04 days, the mean first eating time was 2.55 ± 0.72 days, and the mean length of hospital stay was 5.57 ± 0.09 days (P < 0.05) after treatment. Gastrin levels were found to be (161.15 ± 16.75) pg/mL, norepinephrine (125.53 ± 17.78) pg/mL, cortisol (142.16 ± 19.55) μg/L, aldosterone (51.14 ± 5.39) pg/mL demonstrated superiority in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the observation group exhibited superior outcomes, with an 93.33% success rate as opposed to the control group's 75.00%, and an overall satisfaction rate of 91.67% as compared to the control group's 68.33%. Moreover, the postoperative complication rate in the observation group was 16.67%, significantly lower than the 38.33% rate observed in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of percutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation in gastroscopy patients has been demonstrated to be both highly safe and effective. The benefits of this approach include the promotion of postoperative gastrointestinal function, the reduction of stress response, the attainment of optimal results, and the enhancement of patient satisfaction.