Preventive effect of electrical acupoint stimulation on lower-limb thrombosis: a prospective study of elderly patients after malignant gastrointestinal tumor surgery.

BACKGROUND

Lower deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is one of the major complications of patients with tumors or patients undergoing major surgery. Electrical acupoint stimulation, an established technique of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), can be well combined with Western medicine to reduce the incidence of postoperative DVT, especially in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to assess the efficiency of electrical acupoint stimulation in the prevention of postsurgery DVT in elderly patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors and to validate an effective and safe nursing approach that integrates TCM and Western medicine.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients (none aged <60 years) who underwent malignant gastrointestinal tumor surgery between July 2005 and May 2007 were randomly divided into 3 groups: routine nursing group (group C1), graduated compression stockings group (group C2), and electrical acupoint stimulation group (group T). Hemorheological parameters (blood viscosity, etc) were measured and compared before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Compared with groups C1 and C2, group T showed a significant difference in blood viscosity and blood flow velocity (P < .05). However, there were no statistical differences among groups C1, C2, and T in other hemorheological parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

By speeding up the blood flow in patients' lower limbs, electrical acupoint stimulation showed a great potential to prevent symptomless DVT in elderly patients after malignant gastrointestinal tumor surgery.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Western medical care combined with TCM can reduce the occurrence of lower DVT in elderly patients suffering from gastrointestinal cancer. This approach may help nurses to plan effective care for elderly patients.