Effects of acupuncture treatment on postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in colorectal cancer: study protocol for randomized controlled trials

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of acu puncture on PGID. Through the complementation of acupuncture and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, the advantages of acupuncture treatments could be demonstrated to promote its application in future clinical practice.MethodsThe study design is a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT). One hundred sixty postoperative colorectal cancer patients will be recruited from Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CICAMS). Subjects who fulfill inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into the acupuncture group (AG) (n = 80) or control group (CG) (n = 80). AG will receive acupuncture treatment and perioperative care guided by ERAS protocols, and CG will only receive perioperative care guided by ERAS protocols. The intervention will begin on the first day post-surgery, continuing for 4  days, with a follow-up assessment in a month. Time of first postoperative flatus would be the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures include the time of first postoperative defecation, time of first fluid intake, time of first ambulation, postoperative hospital stay, gastrointestinal reaction score, acupuncture sensation evaluation scale, laboratory tests, postoperative quality of life, readmission rate, and postoperative complications. All results are evaluated from baseline, post-treatment, and upon follow-up.DiscussionThe results of the study would help elucidate evidence of the...
Source: Trials - Category: Research Source Type: clinical trials