[Effects of moxibustion at different timings on recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of preoperative and postoperative moxibustion at different timings on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: A total of 108 patients were randomly divided into a preoperative moxibustion group (36 cases), a postoperative moxibustion group (36 cases and 1 dropping), and a control group (36 cases and 1 dropping). Routine care after laparoscopic surgery was received in all three groups. In the preoperative moxibustion group, moxibustion was used at bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) one day before surgery, and 6 h after surgery in the postoperative moxibustion group. The treatment was given 20 min per acupoint. Intervention stopped after the patient's first self-exhaust or defecation. The time of first self-exhaust or defecation, the time of solid food tolerated, the postoperative 1-3 days visual analogue scale (VAS) abdominal pain scores, and adverse reactions during the intervention were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the postoperative moxibustion group and the control group, the time of first self-exhaust or defecation was earlier in the preoperative moxibustion group (both P<0.01); the time of solid food tolerated was earlier in the postoperative moxibustion group (both P<0.01); postoperative 1-3 d VAS scores were lower (P<0.05, P<0.01). The VAS scores in the postoperative moxibustion group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). No adverse reactions occurred in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Preoperative moxibustion can more effectively promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic surgery and improve the postoperative quality of life.