Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TEAS) on emergence agitation after general anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted between January 2025 to May 2025, enrolling 97 pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Participants were randomly assigned to the control or the TEAS group. Patients received TEAS at Hegu and Neiguan during surgical procedure in group TEAS. Emergence agitation incidence, cerebral oxygen saturation, level of β-EP, NE, E and COR, intraoperative anesthesia consumption, mean arterial pressure and heart rate, pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium score, adverse event and satisfaction level were recorded. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group, the TEAS group exhibited a significant reduction in the incidence of emergence agitation, pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scores, intraoperative remifentanil consumption, and levels of β-EP, NE, E and COR. Additionally, cerebral oxygen saturation was notably increased in the TEAS group. Post-intubation, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were also significantly lower in the TEAS group compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in adverse events between the 2 groups. Furthermore, patient satisfaction was higher in the TEAS group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: TEAS may reduce the incidence of emergence agitation in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy, potentially by enhancing cerebral oxygenation and mitigating stress levels.