Effect of the thumbtack needle on gastrointestinal function recovery after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer with the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is a common complication in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of thumbtack needle therapy on GI function recovery after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group. Both groups received perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery management. Participants in the treatment group received thumbtack needle therapy at bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), Hegu (LI4), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). Primary outcomes included the time to bowel sound recovery and time to first flatus (all measured in hours). Secondary outcomes included the time to first defecation, time to removal of the n

SUBMITTER: Guo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12488703 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature