CompletedNot Applicable

Effect of Electroacupuncture on the Incidence of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing the Major Surgery

China1,100 participantsStarted 2018-09-07

Plain-language summary

1. Title: Effect of electroacupuncture on the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing the major surgery. 2. Research center: Multicenter 3. The Design of the study: Randomized, double-blind, controlled study 4. The population of the study: Elderly patients（65≤age\<90 years），it is planned to select a period/time limit for gastrointestinal tumor surgery, bile duct surgery, thoracic surgery or orthopedic surgery and so on under general anesthesia, and the estimated operation time≥ 2 hours. 5. Sample size: Enroll 1100 patients (550 patients in each group) 6. Interventions: Participants in the treatment group received acupuncture (0.30mm×70mm) at bilaterally Shenmen (HT7) acupoints (0.3-0.5 inch), Neiguan (PC6) acupoints (0.5-1 inch), Baihui (DU20) acupoint (0.5-0.8 inch) and Yintang (EX-HN3) acupoint (0.3-0.5 inch) 30 minutes before anesthesia induction. After "Deqi", electroacupuncture stimulation apparatus (HANS G6805-2, Huayi Co, Shanghai, China) is connected and maintained the end of operation. Participants in the control group received shallow needling (0.30mm×25mm) at bilateral sham HT7, PC6, DU20 and EX-HN3 (nonacupoints located 1 inch beside acupoints, about 20mm). Specifically, the depth of needle insertion into nonacupoints is 3-5mm and avoided manual stimulation and no "Deqi" without actual current output. 7. The aim of the research: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on the incidence of postoperative delirium within 5 days in elderly patients undergoing the major surgery. 8. Outcome： 1) Primary outcome：The incidence of delirium within 5 days after surgery； 2) Secondary outcome：The effects on postoperative NRS pain and sleep quality scores；Length of stay in hospital after surgery; Incidence of postoperative complications (including re-hospitalization); 30-day life quality and cognitive function after surgery; All-cause 30-day mortality after surgery. 9. The estimated duration of the study：5 years.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years – 90 Years

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Age≥65 and \<90 years old；
. Planning to undergo select timed/limited surgery such as gastrointestinal tumor surgery, bile duct surgery and thoracic surgery etc under general anesthesia, and the estimated operation time is more than 2 hours;；
. Treatment without radiotherapy or chemotherapy prior to surgery；
. Agree to participate in this study and sign informed consent；

Exclusion criteria

. Refuse to participate in this study；
. Preoperative history of schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or myasthenia gravis；

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The incidence of delirium within 5 days after surgery

Timeframe: preoperative and the first 5 consecutive days after surgery

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03606941

SponsorTianjin Nankai Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-10-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Postoperative Delirium trials