OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the inflammatory response and intestinal permeability after laparoscopic radical surgery for colon cancer, so as to explore the protective mechanism for perioperative organs.

METHODS

Sixty patients with laparoscopic intestinal resection were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. TEAS at Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6) and Hegu (LI 4) was used in the observation group on the day of operation and within 3 days after surgery, 2 Hz, within 2 mA. The interventions in the control group were the same as those in the observation group, except opening the current source. Central venous blood was collected before TEAS and 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after surgery. The level of the inflammatory indexes of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and intestinal mucosal barrier response indexes of endotoxin (LPS) and D-lactate were detected.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased in the observation group 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after surgery (all <0.05). The concentrations of D-lactate and LPS were not statistically different between the two groups (both >0.05).

CONCLUSION

TEAS can reduce the inflammatory reaction after laparoscopic radical surgery for colon cancer, but has no effect on the intestinal permeability.