Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative gastrointestinal function in the patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery.Methods:Fifty patients of both sexes, aged 50-75 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-28.0 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰor Ⅱ, undergoing elective lumbar spinal surgery under general anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups ( n=25 each) by a random number table method: control group (group C) and TEAS group. In group C, stimulating electrodes were placed at the non-acupoint parts of the limbs, but no electrical stimulation was applied. In group TEAS, bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (L14), Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37) and Xiajuxu (ST39) acupoints were stimulated using disperse-dense waves with a frequency of 2/100 Hz. The intensity of stimulation was the maximum current that patients could tolerate. Simulation lasting 30 min was performed once a day before induction of anesthesia and within 1-7 days after operation. The time to first flatus, time to first defecation, time for recovery of first bowel sounds and occurrence of abdominal distension were recorded. The occurrence and score of postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded at 24, 48 and 72 h after operation. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected before operation and at 1 and 3 days after operation for determination of the concentrations of serum substance P and cholecystokinin before surgery and at 1 and 3 days after surgery using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:Compared with group C, the time to first flatus, time to first defecation and time for recovery of first bowel sounds were significantly shortened, and the incidence of abdominal distension was decreased in group TEAS ( P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence and score of postoperative nausea and vomiting and serum concentrations of substance P and cholecystokinin before surgery and at 1 and 3 days after surgery between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:TEAS can improve postoperative gastrointestinal function in the patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery.