Does transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation improve the quality of recovery after thyroidectomy? A prospective randomized controlled trial

Background: We evaluated the effects of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the postoperative quality of recovery after thyroidectomy with general anesthesia in this prospective, randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled study. Methods: Eight-four American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) I or II patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly allocated to TEAS or control groups. The primary outcome was the quality of recovery, which was assessed on the day before surgery and 24 h after surgery using the Quality of Recovery 40 questionnaire (QoR-40). Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), postoperative pain intensity, duration of post anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay and patient's satisfaction. Results: Global QoR-40 score at 24 h after surgery was higher in the TEAS group (median [interquartile range], 183 [172-190]) compared with the control group (168 [154-183]) (P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, postoperative pain intensity and the cumulative number of opioids administered was lower in the TEAS group patients (P < 0.001). TEAS reduced the incidence of PONV and dizziness (P = 0.001), as well as the duration of PACU stay (P < 0.001). Simultaneously, the patient's satisfaction scores were higher in the TEAS group (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Preoperative TEAS enhances the quality of recovery, postoperative analgesia and patient's satisfaction, alleviates postoperative side effects and accelerates discharge after general anesthesia for thyroidectomy.