Effect of Electroacupuncture Based on ERAS for Preoperative Anxiety in Breast Cancer Surgery: A Single-Center, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) based on enhanced recovery after surgery on preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Between December 2018 and 2019, 144 female undergoing breast conserving surgery were assigned to conventional (A), preoperative EA (B), intraoperative EA (C), and combination of preoperative and intraoperative EA (D) groups. Primary outcome was the self-rating anxiety scale. Secondary outcomes included visual analogue scale, quality of recovery 40, postoperative complications, and acupuncture-related adverse reactions. RESULTS: 141 patients completed the trial. Groups B and D self-rating anxiety scale were significantly lower than A and C (P < .01); the sleep quality was significantly better (P < .01). The incidence of nausea at 6 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in group D than other groups (P < .007); the incidence of vomiting at 6 hours postoperatively was better than group A (P < .007). visual analogue scale at 24 hours postoperatively was significantly different between groups A, B, and D (P < .01). Quality of recovery 40 total score at 24 hours postoperatively in group D was significantly higher than A and B (P < .05). The 72-hour postoperative emotional state was most significantly improved in group D (P < .05), while groups B and C showed interactive effect (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative EA alleviated anxiety in the preoperative waiting area, and improved sleep quality. Combination of preoperative and intraoperative EA may be more effective in improving postoperative quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019979. Registered on December 10, 2018. (http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=27653&htm=4).