[Effect of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation combined with target controlled infusion of propofol on efficacy of general anesthesia for craniotomy].

Objective: To observe the effect of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) combined with target controlled infusion of Propofol on the doses of Propofol and adjuvant drugs, and on the resuscitation time of general anesthesia for craniotomy patients.

Methods: Forty patients (aged 27 - 65 years), scheduled for craniotomy and signed the informed consent, were randomly and equally divided into TAES group and control group. Patients of the two groups received intravenous anesthesia mainly with target controlled infusion of Propofol. TAES (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1-12 mA) was applied to bilateral Yuyao (EX-HN 4) and Taiyang (EX-HN5) for 20 min first before surgery, and then to bilateral Hegu (LI 4), Quanliao (SI 18) and Fengchi (GB 20) during operation and till the end of the operation. The dosages of Propofol and adjuvant drugs, the duration of surgery and anesthesia, and the time of resuscitation and extubation were recorded.

Results: Compared with the control group, the dosages of Propofol and Nicardipine for craniotomy patients in the TAES group were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the resuscitation time was obviously earlier and the tracheal catheter indwelling time markedly shorter in the TAES group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: TAES combined with target controlled infusion of Propofol can reduce the dosage of Propofol and Nicardipine, and shorten the resuscitation time and tracheal catheter indwelling time in craniotomy patients.