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International Journal of Surgery... Feb 2024This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in improving postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in improving postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery.
METHODS
Electronic databases (e.g. Medline) were screened to identify randomized controlled trials that focused on the association between EA and postoperative ileus. Time to first flatus served as the primary outcome, while the secondary outcomes included time required for the recovery of other gastrointestinal functions (e.g. bowel sound recovery), time to tolerability of liquid/solid food, postoperative pain scores, risk of overall complications, and hospital length of stay.
RESULTS
Our meta-analysis focusing on 16 studies with a total of 1562 patients demonstrated positive associations of EA with shorter times to the first flatus [mean difference (MD): -10.1 h, P <0.00001, n =1562], first defecation (MD: -11.77 h, P <0.00001, n =1231), bowel sound recovery (MD: -10.76 h, P <0.00001, n =670), tolerability of liquid (MD: -16.44 h, P =0.0002, n =243), and solid food (MD: -17.21 h, P =0.005, n =582) than those who received standard care. The use of EA was also correlated with a lower risk of overall complications (risk ratio:0.71, P =0.04, n =1011), shorter hospital length of stay (MD: -1.22 days, P =0.0001, n =988), and a lower pain score on postoperative days two (standardized MD: -0.87, P =0.009, n =665) and three (standardized MD: -0.45, P <0.00001, n =795), without a difference in time to first ambulation.
CONCLUSION
Our findings showed an association between EA and enhanced gastrointestinal functional recovery and reduced pain severity following colorectal surgery, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating EA into perioperative care to enhance recovery outcomes in this setting.
Topics: Humans; Electroacupuncture; Colorectal Surgery; Flatulence; Postoperative Complications; Ileus
PubMed: 37916930
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000848 -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Nov 2023Dyssynergic defecation (DD) is a common cause of chronic constipation. Owing to the lack of a comprehensive synthesis of available data on the effectiveness of botulinum... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Dyssynergic defecation (DD) is a common cause of chronic constipation. Owing to the lack of a comprehensive synthesis of available data on the effectiveness of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) for treating DD, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to May 9, 2023. The outcomes comprise short-term and long-term symptom improvement, various anorectal function measurements, complications of fecal incontinence, and symptom improvement after repeated BoNT injections. A meta-analysis comparing BoNT injection with either surgery or biofeedback (BFB) therapy in treating DD was also conducted. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to identify possible moderator effects. We included five randomized controlled trials, seven prospective studies, and two retrospective observational studies. Short-term potential improvement in symptoms (event rate [ER], 66.4%; 95% CI, 0.513 to 0.783) was identified, but in the long-term (>12 months), this effect was decreased (ER, 38.2%; 95% CI, 0.267 to 0.511). Short-term improvements in objective anorectal physiologic parameters were also observed. Repeated BoNT injection was effective for patients with symptom recurrence. Subgroup analysis revealed enhanced long-term symptom improvement with high-dose BoNT, but this treatment also increased the risk of complications and recurrence compared with low doses. The effectiveness, complications, and recurrence of symptoms associated with BoNT injection and surgery did not differ significantly. BoNT injection significantly provided short-term symptom improvement but also heightened the risk of incontinence compared with BFB therapy. Our systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that BoNT could be beneficial for short-term symptom improvement in patients with DD, but this effect tended to decline 12 months after injection. Standardized BoNT intervention protocols remain warranted. Among the several treatments for DD, we concluded that BoNT injection is not inferior to other options considering its effectiveness in relieving symptoms, the associated complication development, and the risk of symptom recurrence.
Topics: Humans; Botulinum Toxins; Defecation; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Constipation
PubMed: 37816487
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107311 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Hirschsprung disease (HD) is characterized by absent neuronal innervation of the distal colonic bowel wall and is surgically treated by removing the affected bowel... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hirschsprung disease (HD) is characterized by absent neuronal innervation of the distal colonic bowel wall and is surgically treated by removing the affected bowel segment via pull-through surgery (PT). Incomplete removal of the affected segment is called transition zone anastomosis (TZA). The current systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and clinical impact of TZA.
METHODS
Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, and Web of Sciences were searched (last search: October 2020), and studies describing histopathological examination for TZA in patients with HD were included. Data were synthesized into aggregated Event Rates (ER) of TZA using random-effects meta-analysis. The clinical impact was defined in terms of obstructive defecation problems, enterocolitis, soiling, incontinence, and the need for additional surgical procedures. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
KEY RESULTS
This systematic review included 34 studies, representing 2207 patients. After excluding series composed of only patients undergoing redo PT, the prevalence was 9% (ER = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.05-0.14, < 0.001, I = 86%). TZA occurred more often after operation techniques other than Duhamel (X = 19.21, = <0.001). Patients with TZA often had obstructive defecation problems (62%), enterocolitis (38%), soiling (28%), and fecal incontinence (24%) in follow-up periods ranging from 6 months to 13 years. Patients with TZA more often had persistent obstructive symptoms (X = 7.26, = 0.007).
CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES
TZA is associated with obstructive defecation problems and redo PT and is thus necessary to prevent.
PubMed: 37761437
DOI: 10.3390/children10091475 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Postoperative ileus (POI) is one of the main complications after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, and there is still a lack of effective treatment. At present, the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Postoperative ileus (POI) is one of the main complications after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, and there is still a lack of effective treatment. At present, the evidence for improvement of POI by invasive acupuncture (manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture, IA) is limited. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to systematically review and evaluate the effect of IA in improving POI after CRC surgery.
METHODS
This meta-analysis was reported according to PRISMA statement and AMSTAR guidelines. The retrieval time was from the inception to February 2023. The RCTs were screened by searching the databases (PubMed, Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Sinomed Database, and WANFANG). Two independent investigators screened and extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias, and performed statistical analysis. The statistical analysis was carried out by RevMan5.3. The PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews received this research for registration (CRD42023387700).
RESULTS
Thirteen studies with 795 patients were included. In the primary outcome indicators: the IA group had shorter time to the first flauts [stand mean difference (SMD), -0.57; 95% CI, -0.73 to -0.41, < 0.00001], shorter time to the first defecation [mean difference (MD), -4.92 h, 95% CI -8.10 to -1.74 h, = 0.002] than the blank/sham stimulation (B/S) group. In the secondary outcome indicators: the IA group had shorter time to the first bowel motion (MD, -6.62 h, 95% CI -8.73 to -4.50 h, < 0.00001), shorter length of hospital (SMD, -0.40, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.21, < 0.0001) than the B/S group. In terms of the subgroup analysis: IA associated with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) group had shorter time to the first flauts (MD, -6.41 h, 95% CI -9.34 to -3.49 h, < 0.0001), shorter time to the first defacation (MD, -6.02 h, 95% CI -9.28 to -2.77 h, = 0.0003) than ERAS group.
CONCLUSION
Invasive acupuncture (IA) after CRC surgery, acupuncture or electricacupuncture with a fixed number of times and duration at therapeutic acupoints, can promote the recovery of POI. IA combined with ERAS is better than simple ERAS in improving POI.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=387700, identifier CRD42023387700.
PubMed: 37692781
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1201769 -
Medicine Sep 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for improving postoperative recovery... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for improving postoperative recovery after gynecologic surgery.
METHODS
We performed a thorough search of 6 databases until March 2023, identifying 12 randomized controlled trials that met our predefined inclusion criteria and encompassed a total of 1510 patients. For continuous outcomes, we calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD), and for binomial outcomes, we used the risk ratio (RR). We evaluated heterogeneity among the included studies using Cochran I2 and Q statistics, utilizing a random-effects model when the I2 value exceeded 50%. To assess publication bias, we employed Egger test.
RESULTS
Our analysis found that TEAS significantly reduced the risk of postoperative nausea (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.83, P = .002) and postoperative vomiting (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.43-0.67, P < .001), visual analogue scale (WMD: -0.47, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.17, P = .002), as well as shortened the time to first bowel movement (WMD: -18.43, 95% CI: -20.87 to -15.99, P < .001) and time to first flatus (WMD: -8.98, 95% CI: -12.46 to -5.51, P < .001) compared to the conventional group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggested that TEAS may improve postoperative recovery following gynecologic surgery. However, to confirm these results, larger randomized controlled trials encompassing a more diverse range of patient populations are urgently required.
Topics: Female; Humans; Acupuncture Points; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Databases, Factual; Defecation; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Electronics
PubMed: 37657060
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034834 -
Medicine Sep 2023To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture by systematically reviewing the literature on colorectal cancer resection. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture by systematically reviewing the literature on colorectal cancer resection.
METHODS
Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to February 28, 2023. Randomized controlled trials on acupuncture in patients after CRC resection were included. Two reviewers independently selected relevant trials, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to obtain summary effect estimates. The data were pooled and analyzed using RevMan 5.3. The heterogeneity of selected studies was evaluated by evaluating the I-squared (I2) statistics.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies with 1878 patients were included. Results of the meta-analysis showed there was a low level evidence that acupuncture may improve early postoperative symptoms, such as time to first flatus (n = 876, MD -0.77h, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.33 h, I2 = 89%), time to first bowel movement (n = 671, MD -1.41h, 95% CI -2.20 to -0.63 h, I2 = 95%), time to first defecation (n = 556, MD -1.03h, 95% CI -1.88 to -0.18 h, I2 = 95%), and nausea/vomiting (n = 1488, RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.89, I2 = 49%) compared with usual care and sham acupuncture. However, there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative pain (n = 1188, MD-0.21, 95% CI -0.59 to 0.17, I2 = 74%). And there was no sufficient evidence of improving long-term functional outcomes. There was substantial heterogeneity across trials. The adverse events associated with acupuncture stimulation were minor in include studies.
CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS
There is currently low-level evidence supporting the use of acupuncture on postoperative symptoms for patients after colorectal cancer resection. More investigations should be established based on the STRICTA statement strictly.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Acupuncture Therapy; Pain, Postoperative; Databases, Factual; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37657054
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034678 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in restoring gastrointestinal function in tumor patients receiving the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. The...
Effect of acupuncture inclusion in the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on tumor patient gastrointestinal function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
INTRODUCTION
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in restoring gastrointestinal function in tumor patients receiving the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the rationality and efficacy of integrating acupuncture in the ERAS strategy to recuperate gastrointestinal function.
METHODS
We searched eleven databases for relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction in tumor patients treated with the ERAS protocol. The quality of each article was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias criteria and the modified Jadad Scale. As individual symptoms, the primary outcomes were time to postoperative oral food intake, time to first flatus, time to first distension and peristaltic sound recovery time (PSRT). Pain control, adverse events, and acupoint names reported in the included studies were also investigated.
RESULTS
Of the 211 reviewed abstracts, 9 studies (702 patients) met eligibility criteria and were included in the present systematic review and meta‑analysis. Compared to control groups, acupuncture groups showed a significant reduction in time to postoperative oral food intake [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.18 to -0.35], time to first flatus (SMD=-0.81, 95% CI -1.13 to -0.48), time to first defecation (SMD=-0.91, 95% CI -1.41 to -0.41, PSRT (SMD=-0.92, 95% CI -1.93 to 0.08), and pain intensity (SMD=-0.60, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.37).The Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints were used in eight of the nine included studies. Adverse events related to acupuncture were observed in two studies, and only one case of bruising was reported.
DISCUSSION
The present systematic review and meta‑analysis suggested that acupuncture significantly improves recovery of gastrointestinal function and pain control in tumor patients receiving the ERAS protocol compared to the control group. Moreover, ST36 and ST37 were the most frequently used acupoints. Although the safety of acupuncture was poorly described in the included studies, the available data suggested that acupuncture is a safe treatment with only mild side effects. These findings provide evidence-based recommendations for the inclusion of acupuncture in the ERAS protocol for tumor patients.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023430211.
PubMed: 37655096
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1232754 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Oct 2023We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics and synbiotics in childhood functional constipation. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIM
We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics and synbiotics in childhood functional constipation.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) were searched up to June 2023. Randomized controlled trials involving children diagnosed with FC with Rome III/IV criteria were included. Treatment success, defecation frequency, stool consistency, painful defecation, fecal incontinence, and adverse events were assessed as outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) and standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous and continuous variables as appropriate. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool version 2 assessed the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Seventeen RCTs with 1504 patients were included. Compared to placebo, probiotics significantly improved defecation frequency (SMD 0.40, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.70, I = 0%) and fecal incontinence (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.96, I = 0%). However, it did not significantly improve treatment success, painful defecation, and abdominal pain. Probiotics, as add-on therapy, failed to yield a significant difference in treatment success (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.15 to 4.48, I = 52%), defecation frequency (SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.39, I = 0%), defecation consistency (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.38, I = 1%), fecal incontinence (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.90, I = 0%), and abdominal pain (OR, 0.60, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.53, I = 0%) versus laxatives monotherapy. Synbiotics plus laxatives showed no significant effect on defecation frequency (SMD -0.57; 95% CI -1.29 to 0.14, I = 74%) and painful defecation (OR, 3.39; 95% CI 0.74 to 15.55, I = 0%) versus laxatives alone.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence did not advocate using probiotics and synbiotics in treating functional constipation in children. At this time, the effects of strain-specific probiotics, probiotics mixtures, and the optimal doses and treatment durations of the probiotics and synbiotics were unclear. Additional rigorous evidence is required to evaluate and establish the effectiveness and safety of probiotics and synbiotics for childhood functional constipation.
PROSPERO ID
CRD42020195869.
Topics: Child; Humans; Laxatives; Synbiotics; Fecal Incontinence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Constipation; Probiotics; Abdominal Pain
PubMed: 37625312
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.08.015 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery :... Oct 2023
Meta-Analysis
Commentary on: "Gum Chewing and Coffee Consumption But Not Caffeine Intake Improve Bowel Function After Gastrointestinal Surgery: a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis." J Gastrointest Surg. 2023 Jun 5. doi: 10.1007/s11605-023-05702-z.
Topics: Humans; Defecation; Coffee; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Network Meta-Analysis; Mastication; Gastrointestinal Motility; Chewing Gum
PubMed: 37620662
DOI: 10.1007/s11605-023-05810-w -
International Journal of Colorectal... Jul 2023Secondary constipation refers to constipation that occurs after certain diseases or medications, such as acute stroke or opioids, and the efficacy of electroacupuncture... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Secondary constipation refers to constipation that occurs after certain diseases or medications, such as acute stroke or opioids, and the efficacy of electroacupuncture for secondary constipation is controversial. So, this study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for secondary constipation through a meta-analysis and systematic review.
METHOD
We retrieved articles from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases up to 28 February 2023. The study was screened strictly according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Revman5.4 was used for quality evaluation; grade rating was used for index evaluation, and stata15.0 was used for data consolidation analysis.
RESULT
Thirteen randomized controlled studies, involving a total of 1437 people (722 electroacupuncture and 715 control groups), were included in this review. Meta-analysis results indicated that electroacupuncture significantly improved constipation overall response (RR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.55, P < 0.001), reduced defecation straining score (MD = - 0.46, 95%CI: - 0.67, - 0.251, P < 0.001), increased weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements (MD = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.63, P = 0.002), and increased in the weekly spontaneous bowel movements (MD = 0.80, 95%CI (0.49, 01.11), P < 0.001), and electroacupuncture had no effect on change stool consistency score compared (MD = - 0.03, 95%CI (- 0.38, 0.33), P = 0.88) and did not increase adverse events (RR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.18, 1.44, P = 0.20).
CONCLUSION
According to the current studies, the overall relief rate of patients with secondary constipation after electroacupuncture treatment was improved, the defecation pressure score was reduced, the weekly natural defecation was more complete, and adverse reactions were not increased. Electroacupuncture therefore shows potential for treating constipation, but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Topics: Humans; Electroacupuncture; Defecation; Constipation; Research Design; Control Groups
PubMed: 37452920
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04487-6