Electroacupuncture Combined With Fast-track Perioperative Program for Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Background: The investigators' previous study demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) reduces the duration of postoperative ileus and hospital stay after laparoscopic colorectal surgery within a traditional perioperative care setting. Recent evidence also suggested that a 'fast-track' (FT) perioperative program may help accelerate recovery after colorectal surgery. It is uncertain whether the combination of EA and FT program will result in faster recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery when compared with FT program alone. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of EA combined with FT program versus FT program alone in reducing the duration of postoperative ileus and hospital stay after laparoscopic colorectal surgery Design: Prospective randomized trial. Subjects: 72 consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic resection of colonic and upper rectal cancer without conversion will be recruited. Interventions: Patients will be randomly allocated to one of the two groups receiving either EA + FT program, or FT program alone. Outcome measures: Primary outcome: time to defecation. Secondary outcomes: duration of hospital stay, time to resume diet, pain scores, analgesic requirement, morbidity, quality of life, and medical costs. Conclusions: This study serves as a good example that illustrates an integrated approach in combining Chinese and Western models of health care. It will provide evidence-based clarification of the role of EA in enhancing recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery within a FT perioperative care setting. As laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been shown to have a higher direct cost than the open counterpart, a faster postoperative recovery may help reduce the financial burden to the hospital/healthcare system.