Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with gynecological abdominal or pelvic tumors: a study protocol for a prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial

It can cause postoperative pain, delayed gastrointestinal motility, or intestinal obstruction requiring secondary surgery, imposing substantial physical, emotional, and economic burdens. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), a non-invasive brain-gut axis modulator, may promote postoperative gastrointestinal recovery.

This study will assess the efficacy and safety of taVNS in reducing the incidence of POGD after gynecological abdominal or pelvic tumor surgery.</p> <p> This randomized, single-center, controlled trial will enroll 210 patients scheduled for gynecological abdominal or pelvic tumor surgery and randomly assign them 1:1 to taVNS or sham-taVNS (n = 105 each). The primary outcome is the incidence of POGD within three days after surgery, assessed by the Intake, Feeling nauseated, Emesis, Exam, and Duration of symptoms (I-FEED) scoring system.