Acupressure to relieve gastrointestinal distress after esophageal cancer surgery

The Effects of Acupressure on Improving Postoperative Gastrointestinal Symptom Distress in Esophageal Cancer Patients

Not applicable Interventional Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT06275165

This study is testing if acupressure can help ease stomach discomfort in patients who have just had surgery for esophageal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taoyuan)
Trial IDNCT06275165 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of acupressure in alleviating gastrointestinal symptom distress in patients who have undergone surgery for esophageal cancer. Participants are divided into an experimental group receiving acupressure treatment alongside routine care, and a control group receiving only routine care. The acupressure is applied at specific points on the body for a total of 12 minutes over five days post-surgery. The primary outcome is measured using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Distress Scale to assess improvements in gastrointestinal discomfort.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include hospitalized men and women diagnosed with esophageal cancer who are able to communicate and understand the study procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have recent peripheral vascular disease, unstable vital signs, or blood coagulation disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve postoperative recovery and quality of life for esophageal cancer patients by reducing gastrointestinal distress.

How similar studies have performed: While acupressure has been explored in various contexts, this specific application for postoperative gastrointestinal distress in esophageal cancer patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hospitalized men and women who agree to participate in this study
* Patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer based on pathological tissue section results
* Nutritional support through jejunostomy in post esophagectomy patients
* A sufficient level of education to understand study procedures and be able to communicate with site personnel

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or lactating women
* Diagnosed and treated for peripheral vascular disease within 3 months prior to surgery.
* Those with unstable vital signs and septicemia infection after surgery.
* Those who are suffering from blood diseases with abnormal coagulation function, or Currently taking anticoagulant drugs.

Where this trial is running

Taoyuan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Esophageal CancerGastrointestinal Dysfunctiongastrointestinal symptom distressacupressure
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.