The ACURE Trial: Acupuncture for Colorectal Recovery

Postoperative ileus (a temporary stop in bowel motility) is a common challenge following major abdominal surgery. This study, the ACURE trial, is a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the efficacy of electroacupuncture as an adjunctive therapy within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) framework. Intervention Protocol: The intervention involves bilateral stimulation of five specific acupoints (ST36, ST37, SP6, LI4, and PC6) known in Traditional Chinese Medicine to regulate gastrointestinal motility and alleviate nausea. The sessions are administered once daily starting the day before surgery through postoperative day 3. Objectives: Primary: To measure the time (in hours) from the end of surgery to the patient's first spontaneous defecation. Secondary: To evaluate the time to first flatus, tolerance of oral intake, postoperative pain levels (VAS scores), total analgesic consumption, and the overall length of hospital stay. The study aims to enroll 240 participants across multiple centers to ensure statistical power. By using a three-arm design (True EA vs. Sham EA vs. Control), the trial seeks to distinguish the specific therapeutic effects of acupuncture from potential placebo effects or standard recovery improvements.