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Abstract

Medicine

Acupuncture as a Therapeutic Intervention for Acute Gastrointestinal Injury (AGI): A Preliminary Study

Published: November 10th, 2023

DOI:

10.3791/64784

1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2Department of Geriatrics, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command

* These authors contributed equally

Abstract

Acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) is a significant factor contributing to increased mortality in patients receiving intensive care unit (ICU) care. Traditional Chinese medicine's acupuncture techniques offer an alternative approach to treating digestive disorders by controlling gastrointestinal secretion, improving gastrointestinal motility, and minimizing side effects. Transabdominal intestinal ultrasonography has proven effective in assessing gastrointestinal injury in critically ill patients. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in AGI patients using ultrasound. The main steps of the study include the syndrome-based selection of appropriate acupuncture points, including Hegu (LI4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), and Xiajuxu (ST 39), followed by a 30 min Deqi acupuncture session once a day for 1 week. The treatment's effectiveness is assessed by an experienced physician using abdominal gastrointestinal ultrasonography. This article provides a detailed account of how to standardize the use of acupuncture in treating gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients.

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Keywords Acupuncture

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