OBJECTIVETo observe analgesic effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with target-controlled infusion (TCI) in general anesthesia and effects on cardiovascular system.

METHODSSixty selective breast operation patients were randomly divided into a combined group and a TCI group, 30 cases in each group. The combined group received anesthesic induction for 30 min with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation and then TCI into vein for general anesthesia, and the transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation was continued till the end of the operation. The TCI group only received TCI irito vein for general anesthesia. The target-controlled concentration of the general anesthesia drugs in plasma was monitored to evaluate the analgesic effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation. Meanwhile, the effects of the transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on cardiovascular system were investigated.

RESULTSThe mean Propofol and Fentany dosages needed were 226.67 mg and 0.11 mg in the combined group, and 272.22 mg and 0.14 mg in the TCI group during the operation, respectively, with significant differences (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The changes of heart rate and blood pressure in the combined group during skin-cutting were significantly less than those in the TCI group (P < 0.05). The awaking time in the combined group was significantly shortened.

CONCLUSIONThe transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation has a certain analgesic effect in the operation and can reduce 17% Propofol dosage and 14% Fentany dosage, and it can decrease the skin-cutting-induced stress reaction of the cardiovascular system and accelerate waking.