Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Propofol–Sufentanil Intravenous Anesthesia on Perioperative Analgesia and Stress Response in Patients Undergoing Mixed Hemorrhoid Surgery

Abstract

Aims

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with propofol–sufentanil intravenous anesthesia in relieving perioperative pain and regulating stress response among patients receiving mixed hemorrhoid surgery.

Methods

This study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 80 participants were randomized into the intervention group and control group at a 1:1 ratio. Four participants dropped out during the trial; therefore, 76 participants, with 38 in each group, were included in the final analysis. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores, serum cortisol and epinephrine levels at different postoperative time points, together with the incidence of adverse events, were observed and compared between the two groups.

Results

At each postoperative time point, the intervention group presented significantly lower VAS scores as well as cortisol and epinephrine levels than the control group (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the incidence of postoperative dizziness and urinary retention in the intervention group was obviously lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of other adverse events between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

TEAS combined with propofol–sufentanil intravenous anesthesia enhances perioperative analgesia, reduces the proportion of rescue analgesia, and mitigates stress responses in mixed hemorrhoid surgery patients. This combined approach is safe and effective and can serve as a viable adjuvant analgesic strategy for perioperative management.