NCT07071987

Effect of Thread Embedding Acupuncture on Postoperative Ileus Recovery After Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Thread Embedding Acupuncture in Reducing Postoperative Ileus After Colorectal Cancer Surgery

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 300 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This multicenter, randomized, controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) in promoting gastrointestinal recovery after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. The primary outcome is the time to first flatus. Secondary outcomes include time to first defecation, tolerance to oral intake, length of hospital stay, and patient-reported quality of life.

Conditions

• Colorectal Cancer
• Postoperative Ileus
• LARS - Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Thread Embedding Acupuncture+Electroacupuncture	Thread embedding acupuncture will be administered at bilateral ST36, ST37, and PC6 acupoints at 2h after surgery and electroacupuncture at same acupoints at 2h 24h, 48h, and 72h after surgery. Absorbable polydioxanone sutures will be embedded into subcutaneous tissue using sterile embedding needles. All procedures will be conducted by licensed acupuncturists following standardized operating protocols.
PROCEDURE	Electroacupuncture	Electroacupuncture will be performed at the same bilateral acupoints (ST36, ST37, and PC6)

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-01
• Primary completion: 2027-07-31
• Completion: 2027-07-31
• First posted: 2025-07-18
• Last updated: 2025-07-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China