Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) Facilitates Postoperative Recovery in Day Lung Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Day thoracic surgery requires effective analgesia and a rapid recovery. This study evaluated whether Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) reduces postoperative pain and analgesic use in lung cancer surgery. Methods: In this randomized, sham-controlled trial at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, 100 patients (18–70 years old, ASA I–II) who underwent day lung cancer surgery (video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection) were enrolled. Participants were randomized to receive either TEAS or sham TEAS in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. The TEAS group received 30 minutes of stimulation at Hegu (LI4) and Neiguan (PC6), whereas the sham group received electrode placement without stimulation. Primary outcome was pain intensity 24 h after surgery, measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were VAS scores at 1 h and 12 h post-surgery, analgesic consumption, incidence of moderate-to-severe pain (VAS score >4), incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), Quality of Recovery (QoR-15) scores, and safety events. Results: The TEAS group had significantly lower VAS scores at 1 hour (0.94 vs 1.84, p = 0.006), 12 hours (2.00 vs 5.40, p < 0.001), and 24 hours (1.72 vs 4.02, p < 0.001). The incidence of moderate-to-severe pain within 12 hours was reduced (12.0% vs 74.0%, p < 0.001). Analgesic consumption was lower in the TEAS group. The QoR-15 scores at 24 h were higher in the TEAS group (130.8 vs 115.9, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in PONV, length of hospital stay, or adverse events. Conclusion: TEAS reduces postoperative pain and analgesic use, improves the recovery quality in lung cancer surgery, and supports its integration into ERAS protocols. Trial Registration: ChiCTR2200066600. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=187035.