Objective: To observe changes of plasma catecholamine (CA) level in patients experiencing cholecystectomy under acupuncture anesthesia combined with epidural administration of small dose of anesthetics. Methods: 33 cholecystectomy patients were randomly divided into acupuncture combined with epidural anesthesia (A) group (n=11), acupoint skin electrical stimulation combined with epidural anesthesia (B) group (n=11) and simple epidural anesthesia (C) group (n=11). Acupoints used were bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiguan (PC 6) and stimulated with parameters of frequency 2/15 Hz, intermittent waves, electric current 2～3 mA for group A and 13mA for group B. Extradural anesthetic administered was 1.5% Lidocaine 5 mL. Venous blood samples were collected one day before, during and 3 days after operation for detecting plasma NE, E and DA contents. Results: ① During operation, plasma NE of group A and B lowered in comparison with pre operation, particularly group A (P<0.01), while in group C, plasma NE level increased slightly; plasma E of group A and B increased significantly compared with pre operation (P< 0.01). Plasma DA in the 3 groups all raised during operation. ② Three days after operation, plasma NE, E and DA levels recovered basically in comparison with those of one day before operation. It indicates that acupuncture or acupoint skin electrical stimulation is capable of regulating sympathetic activity during epidural anesthesia. The anesthetic effect has a closer relation with changes of plasma NE level rather than changes of plasma E or DA levels. Conclusion: Acupuncture or acupoint surface electrical stimulation combined with epidural anesthesia may be of reducing or releasing surgical operation generated stress response during cholecystectomy.
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