Effects of transcutaneous electric stimulation of acupuncture points on perioperative T-lymphocyte immune function and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing radical rectal cancer operation

Objective To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electric stimulation of acupuncture points (TEAS)on perioperative T-lymphocyte immune function and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing radical rectal cancer operation.Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes aged 40-64 yr undergoing elective radical rectal cancer operation were randomly divided into 2 groups(n=30 each):Ⅰ control group and Ⅱ TEAS group.The operation was performed under general anesthesia combined with epidural block in both groups.The patients were unpremedicated.Anesthesia was induced with midazolam,fentanyl,propofol and vecuronium and maintained with isoflurane inhalation and intermittent iv boluses of vecuronium supplemented with epidural block.The patients were mechanically ventilated after tracheal intubation.Epidural catheter was inserted into epidural space at T12-Ll interspace and was advanced 4 cm cephalad.Correct placement of the epidural catheter was identified by a test dose of 5 ml 1.33% lidocaine.In TEAS group bilateral He-gu and Nei-guan were stimulated with an electric stimulator for 30 min before induction of anesthesia.TEAS was continued throughout the operation,and was performed 30 min a day for 5 days after operation.All of the patients received patient-controlled epiduralanalgesia(PCEA)after operation.Blood samples were taken before induction of anesthesia,at the end of operation and on the 1st,3rd 5th day after operation for determination of CD3+,CD4+ and CD8+ levels and CIM+/CD8+ ratio.VAS scores and the total amount of analgesics consumed were recorded.Results The CD3+ and CD4+ levels and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly higher after operation in TEAS group than in control group.VAS scores were significantly lower and significantly less PCEA solution was consumed in TEAS group than in control group.Conclusion TEAS can attenuate the suppression of T-lymphocyte immune function and decrease analgesic requirement after radical rectal cancer operation. Key words: Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation;  Immunity,cellular; T-Lymphocytes; Analgesia