Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for postoperative urinary retention after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Postoperative Urinary Retention After Radical Surgery for Cervical Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

We will try transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) versus a sham TEAS to help people who cannot fully empty their bladder after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 76 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
• Trial ID: NCT07235371 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, blinded, single-center, randomized controlled trial enrolling 76 patients with postoperative urinary retention after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer, randomized 1:1 to TEAS plus usual care or sham TEAS plus usual care. The primary outcome is change in post-void residual (PVR) volume, and secondary outcomes include successful catheter removal rate after intervention, urinary tract infection assessment, and patient quality of life. Treatments are delivered according to a standardized TEAS protocol and compared with a sham device to maintain blinding. Eligible participants are adults aged 18–70 with an indwelling catheter for more than 14 days but less than one year and without prior urinary disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–70 years old with postoperative urinary retention after radical hysterectomy who have had an indwelling catheter for >14 days and can tolerate TEAS are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with obstructive causes of retention (such as urethral stricture or stones), implanted pacemakers or metal devices, skin lesions at treatment sites, or severe systemic disease are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, TEAS could lower residual urine volumes and increase the chance of successful catheter removal after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Small trials of electroacupuncture or TEAS for urinary retention have reported some positive effects, but high-quality large trials are still limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) Age range of 18-70 years, expected survival period ≥ 6 months; (2) Meets diagnostic criteria, with an indwelling catheter duration of more than 14 days but less than 1 year; (3) No history of urinary system diseases before surgery; (4) Clear consciousness, unobstructed communication, daily living ability, patients or family members can learn TEAS operation; (5) No serious systemic diseases such as heart, liver, brain, kidney, etc; (6) Karnofsky functional status score (KPS) ≥ 70 points; (7) Voluntarily participate and sign a written informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1) Obstructive urinary retention, such as urethral stricture or stones; (2) combined with other serious systemic diseases, advanced cachexia; (3) Patients with pacemaker implantation or metal implantation in the body; (4) The treatment site has skin lesions or is not suitable for TEAS treatment in other populations; (5) Physical or mental disorders with cognitive impairment; (6) Other clinical trial participants who are currently involved in affecting the results of this study; (7) Those who do not agree to participate in clinical trials; (8) The evaluator has determined that the participant is not suitable to participate in this study.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

• Zhejiang Cancer Hospital — Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Chao Lu

Conditions: Postoperative Urinary Retention, Postoperative urinary retention,, POUR, TEAS, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation