Acupuncture to Prevent Postoperative Bowel Paralysis (Paralytic Ileus)

Acupuncture to Prevent Postoperative Paralytic Ileus

The purpose of this study is to determine if acupuncture is effective in preventing prolonged postoperative paralysis of the gastrointestinal tract among patients undergoing colostomy/ileostomy closure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previous surgical cancer treatment with ileostomy/colostomy, now scheduled for closure
• Hospital admission must be same day as surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Incapacitating disease
• Concurrent herbal or laxative use
• Use of Heparin or Coumadin
• Upper or lower extremity deformities
• Chronic constipation prior to cancer diagnosis
• History of cerebrovascular accident or spinal cord injury
• Chronic pain that has been treated with any form of major opioid or weak opioids (=/> 30mg/24 hours)
• Pacemaker or metal implants
• Concurrent alternative medicine/herbal use