307 Background: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication following hepatic resection that delays recovery of bowel function and increases length of hospital stay. Simo decoction (SMD) and acupuncture tsusanli acupoint are used to enhance bowel hypomotility in China. Chewing gum reducing POI is reported. The aim of study is to evaluate the effect of SMD plus acupuncture tsusanli acupoint and chewing gum alone on POI and length of hospital stay in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatic resection. Methods: Primary HCC patients undergoing hepatic resection were randomized to SMD plus acupuncture, chewing gum, or empty control group. Interventions were started on postoperative day 1 for six consecutive days or until flatus. Primary endpoints were POI and length of hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were surgical complications. Results: Between March 2015 and August 2015, 162 patients were randomized to SMD plus acupuncture (55), chewing gum (53), or empty control (54). SMD plus acupuncture or chewing gum group have significantly shorter first peristalsis, flatus, and defaecation time than empty control group (all P< 0.05). The mean (s.d.) length of hospital stay of the three groups was 14.0 (4.9), 14.7 (6.2), and 16.5 (6.8) days. The difference between SMD plus acupuncture and empty control group was significant (P = 0.014). However, chewing gum cannot significantly shorten hospital stay than empty control (P = 0.147). Interventions groups had less grade I and II complications. Conclusions: SMD plus acupuncture or chewing gum is a safe treatment to reduce POI and shorten hospital stay. Registration number: NCT02438436 (https://clinicaltrials.gov). Clinical trial information: NCT02438436.
Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Efficacy of Simo Decoction and Acupuncture or Chewing Gum Alone on Postoperative Ileus in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Hepatectomy