Thread-embedding acupuncture to speed bowel recovery after colorectal cancer surgery.
Official title: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Thread Embedding Acupuncture in Reducing Postoperative Ileus After Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Run by Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital · NCT07071987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding thread embedding acupuncture (with electroacupuncture) helps adults recover bowel function faster after elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Yangzhou, Jiangsu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07071987 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 18–80 with stage I–III colorectal cancer scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal resection who can provide informed consent and meet ASA I–III criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients having emergency or palliative surgery, combined organ resection, prior major abdominal operations, severe cardiorespiratory/hepatic/renal/psychiatric disease, or those who develop major postoperative complications are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled trial compares thread embedding acupuncture plus electroacupuncture to electroacupuncture alone in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic resection for stage I–III colorectal cancer. The primary outcome is time to first flatus, with secondary outcomes including time to first defecation, tolerance of oral intake, length of hospital stay, and patient-reported quality of life. Eligible participants are adults aged 18–80 with ASA I–III status scheduled for laparoscopic colorectal surgery, while patients with emergency or palliative operations, prior major abdominal surgery, combined organ resection, severe comorbidities, or major postoperative complications are excluded. Interventions are delivered perioperatively at the study site with follow-up during the hospital stay.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the approach could shorten time to return of bowel function, reduce hospital stay, and improve recovery experience after colorectal surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Some small trials of acupuncture or electroacupuncture have reported faster gastrointestinal recovery after abdominal surgery, but thread embedding acupuncture is less well studied and evidence remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-80 years Diagnosed with stage I-III colorectal cancer Scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal resection ASA Physical Status I-III Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: History of prior major abdominal surgery Emergency or palliative surgery Combined organ resection or open conversion Severe postoperative complications (e.g., anastomotic leak, GI bleeding) Severe cardiac, hepatic, renal, or psychiatric comorbidities Refusal to undergo acupuncture
Where it's running
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Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital
Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daorong Wang, Doctor
- Email: wdaorong666@sina.com
- Phone: 8618051062590
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.