Brief Summary: Acupuncture for Faster Recovery After Colorectal Surgery

1. What is this study about? Colorectal cancer is a common health condition that usually requires surgery. While surgery is effective, it often leads to a temporary "shutdown" of the digestive system, known as Postoperative Gastrointestinal Dysfunction (POGD). Patients may experience bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a delay in passing gas or having bowel movements. This study explores whether acupuncture can help the gut "wake up" faster and improve overall recovery.

2. Why is this research important? Currently, hospitals use a modern management system called ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) to help patients recover. However, many patients still suffer from gut-related discomfort. We want to see if combining traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture) with modern ERAS protocols provides a better, faster, and more comfortable recovery than ERAS alone.

3. What will happen during the study? Patients participating in this study at the affiliated hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine are randomly assigned to one of two groups:

   Standard Group: Receives standard ERAS care (early movement, early eating, and pain management).

   Acupuncture Group: Receives standard ERAS care plus professional acupuncture sessions.

   The Procedure: Fine, sterile needles are applied to specific points (such as Zusanli and Neiguan) for 30 minutes, twice a day for the first three days after surgery.

   Monitoring: To understand how the body responds, we use a non-invasive Artificial Intelligence (AI) monitor to track Heart Rate Variability (HRV). This helps us see how the nervous system is helping the gut recover in real-time.

4. What are the potential benefits? Based on our research findings involving 70 clinical cases, patients who received acupuncture experienced:

   Faster Recovery: The first passage of gas occurred approximately 23 hours earlier than those in the standard group.

   Shorter Hospital Stay: Patients were able to go home on average one day sooner.

   Less Pain: Acupuncture significantly reduced postoperative pain levels.

   Fewer Complications: A lower rate of severe digestive issues after surgery.

5. Is it safe? Acupuncture is a safe, drug-free, and minimally invasive therapy. It works by stimulating the vagus nerve and balancing the body's internal systems. Combined with the precision of AI monitoring, this approach ensures that the recovery process is both natural and scientifically tracked.

6. Conclusion The goal of this study is to provide a "green" and effective solution to help colorectal cancer patients suffer less after surgery and return to their normal lives as quickly as possible.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged between 18 and 80 years, male or female.
2. Diagnosed with colorectal malignancy by pathology or cytology.
3. Scheduled for elective radical resection of colorectal cancer (laparoscopic or open surgery).
4. ASA physical status classification: I-III.
5. Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with severe primary diseases of the heart, brain, kidney, hematopoietic, or endocrine systems.
2. History of major abdominal surgery or intestinal obstruction that significantly alters bowel anatomy.
3. Emergency surgery cases (e.g., acute obstruction, perforation, or peritonitis).
4. Contraindications to acupuncture (e.g., local skin infection, scars, or severe coagulation disorders).
5. Currently participating in other clinical trials.