Pain Management
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to design a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on postoperative visceral pain in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either taVNS or sham stimulation. The total consumption of opioids and other analgesics within 24 hours post-surgery in the AICU will be recorded, along with follow-up assessments of pain scores and quality of recovery scores (Qor-15) at 24 hours postoperatively.
Interventions
DEVICETranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation
Patients received taVNS treatment immediately upon entering the AICU, with sessions occurring every 2 hours. A specialized taVNS stimulator device was used, and the left auricle was cleaned with an alcohol swab or wet tissue before inserting an earplug with electrode contacts into the left ear, ensuring a snug fit. A second earplug was inserted into the right ear. The stimulation parameters were set as follows: continuous wave, frequency of 20 Hz, and pulse width of 200 μs. Each treatment session lasted for 30 minutes.
The treatment protocol was identical to that of the taVNS group. Electrodes were placed on the left auricle. After the device was turned on, it either did not output any current or only delivered a brief sub-threshold current to simulate the sensation of the device being activated, without producing continuous neural stimulation.
Sponsors
Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age between 18 and 85 years, regardless of gender * ASA physical status classification I-III * Scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery under general anesthesia, with postoperative admission to the AICU for monitoring * Anticipated duration of stay in the AICU is approximately 24 hours
Exclusion criteria
* History of vagus nerve-related diseases (such as vasovagal syncope); * Severe arrhythmias or implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers; * Skin lesions, infections, or deformities at the site of external ear stimulation; * Long-term preoperative use of opioid medications or sedatives; * Allergy to study-related medications;
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Total consumption of opioids | within 24 hours postoperatively. | Total consumption of opioids (morphine equivalent) within 24 hours postoperatively. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| sleep quality score | Postoperative first-night | Postoperative first-night sleep quality score (Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, RCSQ); the score ranges from 0 to 150, with higher scores indicating better sleep quality. |
| Quality of Recovery Score | 24 Hours Post-Operatively | Quality of Recovery Score (QoR-15) at 24 Hours Post-Operatively;The score ranges from 0 to 150 points, with higher scores indicating better postoperative recovery quality. |
| Adverse events associated with taVNS | 24 Hours Postoperatively | Adverse events associated with taVNS (local skin irritation, dizziness, tinnitus, etc.); |
| The incidence of opioid-related complications | within 24 hours post-surgery | The incidence of opioid-related complications (such as respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, and intestinal paralysis) within 24 hours post-surgery. |
Contacts
Primary ContactMingzi An
Outcome results
None listed