Exploring the effects of ear acupuncture on delayed gastric emptying after abdominal surgery

Application of Auricular Acupuncture Therapy Based on Real-World Studies After Abdominal Surgery

This study is testing whether ear acupuncture can help people aged 40-70 who have had certain abdominal surgeries feel better and manage symptoms like nausea caused by delayed gastric emptying.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 159 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Peking Union Medical College Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
• Trial ID: NCT06580197 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the role of auricular acupoint therapy in managing delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following various abdominal surgeries, including Whipple surgery, pancreatectomy, and subtotal gastrectomy. It aims to collect and analyze perioperative data to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating symptoms associated with DGE, such as nausea and gastric retention. The study will focus on patients aged 40-70 who have undergone these specific surgical procedures, assessing their health records and treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 40-70 who have undergone Whipple surgery, pancreatectomy, or subtotal gastrectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe postoperative complications or those with contraindications for ear acupuncture will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option to improve recovery and quality of life for patients experiencing DGE after abdominal surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the specific application of ear acupuncture for DGE, similar acupuncture approaches have shown promise in managing postoperative symptoms in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

\- 1) Age range: 40-70 years old (40 ≤ y ≤ 70), gender is not limited. 2) Accept abdominal surgeries including Whipple's surgery, pancreatectomy, and subtotal gastrectomy.

3\) The subjects/guardians are able to understand the purpose of the trial, demonstrate sufficient compliance with the trial protocol, and sign an informed consent form (ICF)

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\) Severe postoperative complications such as heart disease, pulmonary embolism, cerebral infarction, abdominal infection, and abdominal bleeding; 2) Patients with organic changes such as adhesions and obstructions indicated by imaging examinations such as gastrointestinal imaging; 3) The patient has damage, redness, bleeding, infection, and other conditions in both ears that are not suitable for ear acupuncture treatment.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the health group

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age range: 40-70 years old (40 ≤ y ≤ 70), gender is not limited.
2. No history of abdominal surgery or tumor, and no significant abnormalities were found through abdominal imaging examination.
3. The subjects/guardians are able to understand the purpose of the trial, demonstrate sufficient compliance with the trial protocol, and sign an informed consent form (ICF).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Symptoms of digestive discomfort such as diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting have been present for the past 30 days.
2. The patient has conditions such as damage, redness, bleeding, and infection in both ears that affect the assessment of ear acupoint information.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

• Peking union medical college hospital — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: weibin Wang — Peking Union Medical College Hospital (CAMS)
• Study coordinator: qianqian Shao

Conditions Acupuncture, Ear; Gastroparesis