OBJECTIVE

To observe the impacts of transcutaneous acupoint electric stimulation on hemodynamics, anesthetic and relevant complications in patients of transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection (TPTR).

METHODS

Ninety cases of the selective TPTR were randomized into a transcutaneous acupoint electric stimulation group (group T), a sham-acupoint group (group S) and a control group (group C); 30 cases in each one. In group T, the transcutaneous acupoint electric stimulation at Hegu (LI 4), Waiguan (TE 5), Jinmen (BL 63), Taichong (LR 3), Zusanli (ST 36) and Qiuxu (GB 40). In group S, the transcutaneous acupoint electric stimulation was applied to the sham-acupoints. In group C, the acupoints selected were same as those in group T, but the electrode pads were just attached on the related points with no-electric stimulation. The electric stimulation lasted from analgesic induction till the end of the operation. The endotracheal intubation was done under the induction by propofol, fentanyl and vecuronium bromide. Propofol and remifentanil were maintained till the end of operation. Blood pressure, heart rate, bispectral index (BIS) value, anesthetic and postoperative recovery situation were recorded.

RESULTS

The hemodynamics maintained stably in each group. In group T, the mean arterial pressure 1 min after intubation, after extubation and during directional force recovery was all lower than the other two groups respectively (all P<0.05). In group T, the effect-site concentration of fentaryl in the exposure saddle area and tumor removal stage was lower than the other two groups (all P<0.05). In 24 h after operation, 2 cases presented nausea and vomiting in group C. There were no relevant complications in the rest groups.

CONCLUSION

The transcutaneous acupoint electric stimulation improves the stability of hemodynamics in perioperative stage, reduces the intraoperative opi oids dosages and improves the quality of anesthetic recovery.