Effect of warm acupuncture and acupoint massage on postoperative gastrointestinal function in gastric cancer surgery patients: A meta-analysis.

Background: This study seeks to systematically assess the effects of warm acupuncture combined with acupoint massage on the recovery of gastrointestinal function following gastric cancer surgery.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of warm acupuncture combined with acupoint massage on postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery after gastric cancer surgery, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP, for relevant studies published up to January 2025. Meta-analyses were carried out using RevMan 5.4, with results presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). Study heterogeneity was evaluated using the I ² statistic, and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the stability of the findings.

Results: A total of 8 randomized controlled trials involving 694 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that warm acupuncture combined with acupoint massage significantly improved postoperative gastrointestinal function by reducing the time to first flatus (SMD = -2.14, 95%CI: -3.14 to -1.14, P < 0.0001), time to first bowel movement (SMD = -2.43, 95%CI: -3.52 to -1.34, P < 0.0001), time to bowel sounds recovery (SMD = -3.15, 95%CI: -4.50 to -1.80, P < 0.00001), and time to initiate nasogastric or jejunal feeding (SMD = -1.31, 95%CI: -2.44 to -0.18, P = 0.02).

Conclusion: The combination of warm acupuncture and acupoint massage markedly enhances gastrointestinal recovery following surgery.