Objective To evaluate the effect of Xingqi Tongfu Pad on the intestinal functions of children with acute abdomen after surgery. Methods The random digit table was used to randomize 146 patients with acute abdomen into treatment group (n=71) and control group (n=75) according to their registration number. In the control group, the patients only received normal treatment and nursing, while those in the treatment group received Xingqi Tongfu Pad for the acupoint application in addition to routine treatments. The two groups were compared in terms of the time of bowel sound recovery , the exhaust defecation time and gastrointestinal dysfunction score. Results The bowel sounds and the first exhaust and defecation in the treatment group appeared obviously earlier than those in the control group . The score on gastrointestinal dysfunction in the treated group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Xingqi Tongfu Pad can promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function after abdominal operation. It deserves popularization for its positive effect, cheap price and easy operation.

Objective: To determine the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine required to prevent nausea and vomiting when used for postoperative analgesia after gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A total of 135 patients, aged 18-60 yr, weighing 52-80 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery, were divided into 3 groups (n=45 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg group (group D₁) and dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg group (group D₂). Immediately after anesthesia induction, dexmedetomidine 0.4 μg·kg^-1·h^-1 was injected intravenously until 30 min before the end of surgery in all the patients.When the patient was fully awake at the end of surgery, the tracheal tube was removed, and patients were sent to postanesthesia care unit and received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). The PCIA solution contained sufentanil 1.2 μg/kg and dezocine 20 mg in 100 ml of 0.9% normal saline.The PCIA pump was set up with a 0.5 ml bolus dose, a 15 min lockout interval and background infusion at a rate of 2 ml/h.Dexmedetomidine 1 and 2 μg/kg were added to PCIA solution in group D₁ and group D₂, respectively.The occurrence of nausea and vomiting was recorded in postanesthesia care unit stay period (P₁) and in 0-12 h (P₂), 12-24 h (P₃), 24-36 h (P₄) and 36-48 h (P₅) periods after patients returned to the ward.Ramsay sedation score was recorded at 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after patients returned to the ward.When visual analogue scale score >3, patients were told to press PCIA.Patients were followed up for 48 h after surgery, and patients′ satisfaction, pressing times of PCIA and occurrence of pruritus, respiratory depression, bradycardia and dizziness were recorded. Results: Compared with group C, the incidence of nausea was significantly decreased in P₂ period, and the pressing times of PCIA were reduced in P_{2, 3} period in D₁ and D₂ groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Ramsay sedation score at each time point, patients′ satisfaction and incidence of bradycardia among the three groups (P>0.05). No patients developed pruritus, respiratory depression or dizziness in the three groups. Conclusion The optimal dose of dexmedetomidine required to prevent nausea and vomiting is 1 μg/kg when used for postoperative analgesia after gynecological laparoscopic surgery.