Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative cognitive function in older patients with lung cancer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveThis trial was to examine the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative cognitive function in older patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary resection.MethodsThis a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 128 scheduled for surgery were randomly assigned TEAS group and sham-TEAS group. A standardized intervention or acupoints Baihui (DU20) bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36) from 30 min before anesthesia induction until end surgery, combined with general anesthetic protocol performed two groups respectively. The primary outcome incidence dysfunction (POCD) assessed via Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale at each time point. secondary outcomes included results Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain sleep, European Organization Research Treatment Cancer Quality Life (EORTC-QLQ-C30), chronic questionnaire relative points.ResultsParticipants completed 12-month well-matched baseline demographic clinical parameters. At day 1, 7, points, POCD always significantly higher than (65.4% vs 20%, 43.6% 7.3%, 40% 3.6%, all P < 0.001). Also, showed better scores MMSE, compared (all 6 12 months global health still group, prevalence lower 0.05).ConclusionTEAS could effectively improve long-term life quality geriatric lung cancer.