Impact of laser acupuncture on gastrointestinal function recovery in patients after acute appendicitis surgery: A retrospective clinical study

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery has emerged as the preferred treatment for acute appendicitis, a common acute abdominal condition. Despite surgical advances, postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction and delayed recovery continue to negatively impact rehabilitation outcomes and patient quality of life. Laser acupuncture represents a promising emerging complementary therapy with potential benefits for promoting functional recovery.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of laser acupuncture in enhancing gastrointestinal function recovery following laparoscopic appendectomy and to investigate its potential applications in postoperative rehabilitation.

METHODS

This retrospective controlled clinical study selected 120 acute appendicitis patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy from January 2022 to December 2023 at a tertiary hospital. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Routine treatment group (n = 60) and laser acupuncture intervention group (n = 60). There were no significant statistical differences in baseline characteristics (age, gender, body mass index, appendicitis severity) between the two groups. The routine treatment group received standard postoperative care, while the laser acupuncture intervention group received additional laser acupuncture treatment on top of standard care. Key observation indicators included time to first exhaust, time to first bowel movement, time to gastrointestinal function recovery, and postoperative complication rates.

RESULTS

Patients in the laser acupuncture intervention group showed significantly faster gastrointestinal function recovery compared to the routine treatment group. Specifically, time to first exhaust was significantly shortened (intervention group: 12.5 ± 2.3 hours vs control group: 18.7 ± 3.1 hours, P < 0.05), time to first bowel movement was earlier (intervention group: 36.4 ± 4.6 hours vs control group: 48.2 ± 5.7 hours, P < 0.05), postoperative complication rate was significantly reduced (intervention group: 8.3% vs control group: 20.0%, P < 0.05), postoperative pain score was significantly lower (intervention group: 3.2 ± 1.1 vs control group: 4.7 ± 1.5, P < 0.05), and intestinal motility recovery was faster and more effective.

CONCLUSION

Laser acupuncture, as an auxiliary treatment method, can significantly promote gastrointestinal function recovery in patients after laparoscopic appendectomy, reduce complications, and improve postoperative comfort. This technique has advantages such as minimal invasiveness, rapid recovery, and few side effects, making it worthy of further clinical promotion and application.

Keywords: Laser acupuncture; Acute appendicitis; Laparoscopic surgery; Gastrointestinal function; Postoperative recovery

Core Tip: Laser acupuncture is a non-invasive adjunct therapy that significantly accelerates gastrointestinal function recovery after laparoscopic appendectomy. This study demonstrates that patients receiving laser acupuncture experience earlier first flatus and bowel movements, reduced postoperative complications, and lower pain scores compared to standard care. By stimulating key acupoints, laser acupuncture regulates the autonomic nervous system, enhances microcirculation, and modulates inflammatory responses, contributing to faster rehabilitation. Given its safety, efficacy, and minimal side effects, laser acupuncture presents a promising strategy for optimizing postoperative recovery and improving patient outcomes in clinical practice. Further research is warranted to expand its applications in surgical rehabilitation.