OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of combined electroacupuncture (EA) and epidural anesthesia in gynecological operation by bispectral index (BIS).

METHODSSixty patients of ASA grade I-II, 20-60 years old, being scheduled to receive gynecological operation with epidural anesthesia were randomly assigned to 3 groups equally. Group A was anesthetized with epidural infusion of midazolam in dosage of 0.04 mg/kg, Group B with continuous EA in 30-100 Hz on Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints, and Group C with both epidural infusion and EA same as those applied in Groups A and B. BIS, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and blood oxygen saturation (SPO2) were monitored during peri-operative stage, and the post-operation visual analogue scores (VAS) was measured as well.

RESULTSBIS decreased after operation in all groups (P < 0.05), the highest value was shown in Group B (P < 0.05) and the lowest was seen in group C at time of skin incising; while at time of gauze plugging, it was higher in Group B than in other two groups (P < 0.05). Besides, VAS in Group A at 8 h and 24 h after operation was higher than that in the other two groups respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBIS can be taken as an index for objectively evaluating the effect of combined EA and epidural anesthesia in gynecological operation. EA anesthesia has certain analgesic and sedative effects, could effectively release postoperative pain.