Can Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Improve the Quality of Recovery After Thyroidectomy?

The Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on the Quality of Recovery After Thyroidectomy Surgery

The effect of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the quality of recovery in patients undergoing thyroidectomy surgery remains unclear. Therefore, the investigators conducted this prospective, randomized, double-blind study to verify the hypothesis that pre-operative TEAS could improve the quality of recovery (QoR) after thyroidectomy surgery.

Transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is a form of non-invasive electrical stimulation that produces a perceptible sensation via electrodes attached to the skin. It has no risk of infections and can potentially be applied by medical personnel with minimal training. Clinical trials have demonstrated that TEAS reduces the consumption of intra-operative anesthetics and general anesthesia related side-effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Consecutive female patients aged 18 to 60 with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) physical status I or II, who underwent general anesthesia for elective thyroidectomy surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• potentially difficult airway,
• a history of chronic pain,
• drug or alcohol abuse,
• mental disorder,
• intake of any analgesic drug within 48 h before surgery, and
• previous experience with acupuncture treatment