Effect of dual-acupoint and single-acupoint electric stimulation on postoperative outcomes in elderly patients subjected to gastrointestinal surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) has shown benefits when used peri-operatively. However, the role of numbers of areas with acupoint stimulation is still unclear. Therefore, we report the protocol of a randomized controlled trial of using TEAS in elderly patients subjected to gastrointestinal surgery, and comparing dual-acupoint and single-acupoint stimulation.