Electroacupuncture for treatment of postoperative ileus after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer

Despite the adoption of the optimized Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, postoperative ileus (POI) severely impairs recovery after colorectal resection and increased the burden on the health care system. A randomized clinical trial in China found that in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer with the ERAS protocol, electroacupuncture shortened the duration of POI and decreased the risk for prolonged POI compared with sham electroacupuncture. The authors conclude that electroacupuncture may be considered as an adjunct to the ERAS protocol to promote gastrointestinal function recovery and prevent prolonged POI after surgery.