Primary Liver CancerNCT07781176
Different Acupoint Stimulation for Postoperative Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Primary Liver Cancer Patients
A study testing Acupoint application, TAES and Combined Intervention in people with Primary Liver Cancer, run by Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital.
Trial summary
Brief Summary (Plain Language) The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate and compare the effects of four different intervention measures on preventing and managing postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with primary liver cancer. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Primary Liver Cancer
- What is being tested?
- Acupoint application, TAES and Combined Intervention
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 132 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2026to 31 Aug 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients diagnosed with primary liver cancer scheduled for initial partial hepatectomy or laparoscopic partial hepatectomy.
- Aged between 18 and 75 years old.
- Clear consciousness and ability to communicate in writing.
- Voluntary participation with signed informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy.
- Patients with adhesive plaster allergy or allergic constitution.
- Patients with local skin damage, infection or dermatitis at acupoint sites.
- Patients with cognitive dysfunction.
- Patients complicated with preoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction or with a history of gastrointestinal surgery.
- Patients undergoing associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS).
- Patients transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery.
- Patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Application of Different Acupoint Stimulation Methods in the Prevention and Management of Postoperative Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Patients With Primary Liver Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Brief Summary (Plain Language) The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate and compare the effects of four different intervention measures on preventing and managing postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with primary liver cancer. The four measures include herbal acupoint application, transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation, the combination of the above two acupoint stimulation methods, and routine clinical nursing. This study aims to provide scientific evidence for the clinical application of acupoint stimulation therapies in postoperative rehabilitation of liver cancer patients.
The main research question of this study is whether acupoint stimulation interventions can effectively improve postoperative gastrointestinal recovery in primary liver cancer patients. The primary outcome measure is the time to first postoperative anal exhaust, which is a core indicator to reflect the recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery.
By comparing the differences in gastrointestinal recovery among the four groups, this trial will clarify the optimal acupoint intervention scheme to prevent and relieve postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in primary liver cancer patients, so as to improve patients' postoperative rehabilitation quality.
- Conditions
- Primary Liver Cancer
- Being tested
- Acupoint application, TAES, Combined Intervention, routine care
- Medical subject headings
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Acupoint applicationOther
Intervention starts after the patient returns to the ward with stable vital signs on the surgery day. Herbal patches composed of Natrii Sulfas, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus and Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis are applied to bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37) and Hegu (LI4). Each application lasts 6 hours, once a day until the first anal exhaust. Relevant observations are recorded during the process.
TAESDevice
Treatment begins on the surgery day when vital signs stabilize after returning to the ward. Electrodes are placed on bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37) and Hegu (LI4) for transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation with 2/100 Hz dense-disperse waves. Current ranges from 1 mA up to patient's maximum tolerance (no more than 10 mA), 30 minutes per session once daily. Treatment data is recorded accordingly.
Combined InterventionOther
Initiated after stable vital signs on the surgery day. Receive transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation first, then herbal acupoint application. The specific operation standards are the same as the above two groups, performed once daily until the first anal exhaust.
routine careOther
Patients receive standard postoperative routine nursing care only. No additional acupoint-related interventions are provided throughout the study period.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Acupoint Application | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Acupoint application |
| TAES | Experimental | Not described Receives: Device: TAES |
| Combined Intervention | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Combined Intervention |
| Routine Care | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: routine care |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Time to first postoperative flatus
Measured: Perioperative, from the end of surgery until the first postoperative flatus occurs
Secondary outcomes (2)
Time to first defecation
Measured: Perioperative
Incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction
Measured: Within 7 days after surgery
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Aug 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Primary Liver CancerStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 132 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Yan Zhu, Principal investigator, Fudan University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07781176
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- B2026-222R
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Wang MX. Effect of acupoint application during Chen period on gastrointestinal function recovery in patients with primary liver cancer after laparoscopic surgery[D]. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 2023.
Shi XL, Li H, Bian LF, et al. Summary of best evidence for prevention and management of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with liver cancer. Journal of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, 2024, 7 (4): 145-151.
Li S, Liu KX, Deng XM, et al. Expert consensus on prevention and treatment of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction. International Journal of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, 2021, 42 (11): 1133-1142.
Expert Committee for the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer, Zhou J. Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer (2024 edition). Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024, 31(2): 277-334.
Cheng XN, Zhang X, Ji J, Zhou J. [Acupoints selection rules of acupuncture and moxibustion for promoting gastrointestinal function recovery after intestinal cancer surgery based on complex network analysis]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2024 Oct 25;49(10):1107-1120. doi: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230829. Chinese.
PubMed 39433373Jiang T, Li J, Meng L, Wang J, Zhang H, Liu M. Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on gastrointestinal dysfunction after gastrointestinal surgery: A meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2023 May;73:102938. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102938. Epub 2023 Feb 25.
PubMed 36842636Arfa S, Turco C, Lakkis Z, Bourgeois S, Fouet I, Evrard P, Sennegon E, Roucoux A, Paquette B, Devaux B, Rietsch-Koenig A, Heyd B, Doussot A. Delayed return of gastrointestinal function after hepatectomy in an ERAS program: incidence and risk factors. HPB (Oxford). 2022 Sep;24(9):1560-1568. doi: 10.1016/j.hpb.2022.03.014. Epub 2022 Apr 5.
PubMed 35484074
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Application of Different Acupoint Stimulation Methods in the Prevention and Management of Postoperative Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Patients With Primary Liver Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07781176
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- B2026-222R
- Conditions
- Primary Liver Cancer
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 132 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Shanghai Zhongshan HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Brief Summary (Plain Language) The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate and compare the effects of four different intervention measures on preventing and managing postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with primary liver cancer. The four measures include herbal acupoint application, transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation, the combination of the above two acupoint stimulation methods, and routine clinical nursing. This study aims to provide scientific evidence for the clinical application of acupoint stimulation therapies in postoperative rehabilitation of liver cancer patients.
The main research question of this study is whether acupoint stimulation interventions can effectively improve postoperative gastrointestinal recovery in primary liver cancer patients. The primary outcome measure is the time to first postoperative anal exhaust, which is a core indicator to reflect the recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery.
By comparing the differences in gastrointestinal recovery among the four groups, this trial will clarify the optimal acupoint intervention scheme to prevent and relieve postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in primary liver cancer patients, so as to improve patients' postoperative rehabilitation quality.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Acupoint Application | Experimental | Other: Acupoint application |
| TAES | Experimental | Device: TAES |
| Combined Intervention | Experimental | Other: Combined Intervention |
| Routine Care | Active comparator | Other: routine care |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients diagnosed with primary liver cancer scheduled for initial partial hepatectomy or laparoscopic partial hepatectomy.
- Aged between 18 and 75 years old.
- Clear consciousness and ability to communicate in writing.
- Voluntary participation with signed informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy.
- Patients with adhesive plaster allergy or allergic constitution.
- Patients with local skin damage, infection or dermatitis at acupoint sites.
- Patients with cognitive dysfunction.
- Patients complicated with preoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction or with a history of gastrointestinal surgery.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Acupoint applicationIntervention starts after the patient returns to the ward with stable vital signs on the surgery day. Herbal patches composed of Natrii Sulfas, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus and Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis are applied to bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37) and Hegu (LI4). Each application lasts 6 hours, once a day until the first anal exhaust. Relevant observations are recorded during the process. | Other | Acupoint Application |
| TAESTreatment begins on the surgery day when vital signs stabilize after returning to the ward. Electrodes are placed on bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37) and Hegu (LI4) for transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation with 2/100 Hz dense-disperse waves. Current ranges from 1 mA up to patient's maximum tolerance (no more than 10 mA), 30 minutes per session once daily. Treatment data is recorded accordingly. | Device | TAES |
| Combined InterventionInitiated after stable vital signs on the surgery day. Receive transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation first, then herbal acupoint application. The specific operation standards are the same as the above two groups, performed once daily until the first anal exhaust. | Other | Combined Intervention |
| routine carePatients receive standard postoperative routine nursing care only. No additional acupoint-related interventions are provided throughout the study period. | Other | Routine Care |
Primary outcome
Time to first postoperative flatus
Time frame: Perioperative, from the end of surgery until the first postoperative flatus occurs
2 secondary outcomes
Time to first defecation
Time frame: Perioperative
Incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction
Time frame: Within 7 days after surgery
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Aug 2026.
- BackgroundWang MX. Effect of acupoint application during Chen period on gastrointestinal function recovery in patients with primary liver cancer after laparoscopic surgery[D]. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 2023.
- BackgroundShi XL, Li H, Bian LF, et al. Summary of best evidence for prevention and management of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with liver cancer. Journal of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, 2024, 7 (4): 145-151.
- BackgroundLi S, Liu KX, Deng XM, et al. Expert consensus on prevention and treatment of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction. International Journal of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, 2021, 42 (11): 1133-1142.
- BackgroundExpert Committee for the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer, Zhou J. Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer (2024 edition). Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024, 31(2): 277-334.
- Background: PubMed 39433373Cheng XN, Zhang X, Ji J, Zhou J. [Acupoints selection rules of acupuncture and moxibustion for promoting gastrointestinal function recovery after intestinal cancer surgery based on complex network analysis]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2024 Oct 25;49(10):1107-1120. doi: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230829. Chinese.
- Background: PubMed 36842636Jiang T, Li J, Meng L, Wang J, Zhang H, Liu M. Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on gastrointestinal dysfunction after gastrointestinal surgery: A meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2023 May;73:102938. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102938. Epub 2023 Feb 25.
- Background: PubMed 35484074Arfa S, Turco C, Lakkis Z, Bourgeois S, Fouet I, Evrard P, Sennegon E, Roucoux A, Paquette B, Devaux B, Rietsch-Koenig A, Heyd B, Doussot A. Delayed return of gastrointestinal function after hepatectomy in an ERAS program: incidence and risk factors. HPB (Oxford). 2022 Sep;24(9):1560-1568. doi: 10.1016/j.hpb.2022.03.014. Epub 2022 Apr 5.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Yan Zhu principal investigator
Fudan University
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Acupoint application, TAES and Combined Intervention in people with Primary Liver Cancer, run by Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Yan Zhu, Master of Nursing (+86 18701869040, zhu.yan4@zs-hospital.sh.cn), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Time to first postoperative flatus (time frame: Perioperative, from the end of surgery until the first postoperative flatus occurs). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07781176, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Aug 2026.