Speed Up Recovery: A Natural Way to Get Bowel Function Back After Cancer Surgery

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Oncology provides strong evidence for integrating acupuncture into enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for cancer patients, particularly those undergoing colorectal procedures. The study, which synthesized data from 16 randomized controlled trials involving 877 participants, concluded that acupuncture is an effective and safe complementary treatment for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD). The therapeutic benefits center on expediting normal bowel function recovery, which is a key factor in faster hospital discharge and improved patient comfort.

The research specifically highlights how acupuncture can reduce key recovery metrics. The meta-analysis indicated that patients receiving acupuncture experienced a significantly shorter time to:

• First flatus (TFF).

• First defecation (TFD).

• Bowel sound recovery (TBSR).

These benefits were observed when comparing acupuncture groups to routine care, sham acupuncture, and even standard ERAS protocols alone. The study suggests that specific acupoints, most frequently ST36 (Zusanli) and ST37 (Shangjuxu), play a significant role in regulating nerve pathways and promoting gastrointestinal motility. While the evidence level was rated as low to moderate due to some study heterogeneity and reporting quality, the consistent positive outcomes provide a robust argument for the clinical application of acupuncture as a non-pharmacological treatment option.

Reference:

Lin, Dezhi et al. “Acupuncture for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Frontiers in oncology vol. 13 1184228. 9 Jun. 2023, doi:10.3389/fonc.2023.1184228

This is for informational purposes only. Patients should consult with a qualified, certified acupuncturist who has experience in oncology care.

Acupuncture as an Adjunct Therapy in Colon Oncology

Acupuncture is emerging as a valuable complementary therapy in the management of symptoms and side effects associated with conventional colon and colorectal cancer treatments, particularly in enhancing postoperative recovery and mitigating treatment toxicities. Current evidence emphasizes acupuncture's role in improving quality of life (QoL) rather than treating the malignancy itself.

Key findings from recent systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) highlight efficacy in the following areas:

• Accelerated Gastrointestinal Recovery Post-Surgery: Acupuncture has demonstrated significant benefits in expediting the return of normal bowel function following colorectal cancer resection. A 2023 meta-analysis encompassing 22 studies and 1,878 patients noted, "Acupuncture is an effective intervention for promoting gastrointestinal recovery in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery". Specific outcomes, such as time to first flatus and defecation, are consistently reduced. One meta-analysis noted that acupuncture treatment "was associated with a significant benefit in time to first flatus".

• Symptom and Pain Management:

  • Postoperative Pain: Studies show acupuncture can reduce pain levels and the reliance on opioid analgesics. Research indicates that "acupuncture was not only effective in reducing pain scores and relieving pain, but also improved fatigue, insomnia, and quality of life".

  • Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV): The therapy is particularly effective in managing delayed symptoms. One study concluded, "Acupuncture represents a safe and effective complementary therapy for managing delayed vomiting in cancer patients receiving emetogenic treatments".

  • Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): Evidence suggests a protective effect against this common side effect of drugs like oxaliplatin. One clinical trial found that "acupuncture given concurrently with oxaliplatin protects against the often-debilitating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in stage 3 colorectal cancer".

• Improved Quality of Life (QoL): Beyond specific symptoms, patients receiving acupuncture generally report better overall well-being. A 2024 narrative review summarized that "acupuncture improved overall QoL compared with sham or no intervention".

Safety and Clinical Application

Acupuncture is well-tolerated by oncology patients, with safety analyses concluding it is comparable to sham controls and standard care. According to a systematic review on safety, "Acupuncture is a safe therapy for the treatment of patients with cancer". Adverse events are typically minor, such as localized bleeding or mild bruising.

Conclusion

The body of evidence supports the integration of acupuncture into multidisciplinary care for colon oncology patients. Guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) recommend its use for specific cancer-related symptoms.

However, some limitations persist, with evidence levels often classified as low to moderate due to heterogeneity across studies. As one paper notes, "further large-sample, well-designed clinical trials are still needed to compare different acupuncture techniques" and standardize treatment protocols. The data strongly encourages using acupuncture as an evidence-based supportive care option to manage treatment side effects and enhance patient recovery and comfort.

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice, patients should consult with a qualified, certified acupuncturist who has experience in oncology care..