Zhang XR, Wang P, Wang Z, Li M. Systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction after colorectal cancer surgery. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2026; 18(11): 123593 [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.123593]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Min Li, Chief Physician, Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 82 Xinhua South Road, Beijing 101149, China. limin2119@outlook.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
research-article
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Zhang XR, Wang P, Wang Z, Li M. Systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction after colorectal cancer surgery. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2026; 18(11): 123593 [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.123593]
World J Gastrointest Oncol. Nov 15, 2026; 18(11): 123593 Published online Nov 15, 2026. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.123593
Systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction after colorectal cancer surgery
Xin-Rui Zhang, Pei Wang, Zheng Wang, Min Li
Xin-Rui Zhang, Pei Wang, Zheng Wang, Min Li, Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101149, China
Author contributions: Zhang XR drafted the manuscript; Zhang XR and Wang P conducted the statistical analyses and interpreted the data; Zhang XR, Wang P and Wang Z performed the literature search, study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment; Zhang XR and Li M conceptualised and designed the study; Li M critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content; all authors read and approved the final manuscript.
AI contribution statement: AI tools, specifically DeepSeek (version V3), were used solely for language polishing and formatting assistance. No AI tool was used to generate research data, interpret results, or formulate conclusions. All AI-assisted content was critically reviewed and revised by the authors, who take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the manuscript. No images in this manuscript were generated by AI.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflict of interest in publishing this manuscript.
PRISMA 2009 Checklist statement: The authors have read the PRISMA 2009 Checklist, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the PRISMA 2009 Checklist.
Corresponding author: Min Li, Chief Physician, Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 82 Xinhua South Road, Beijing 101149, China. limin2119@outlook.com
Received: May 25, 2026 Revised: July 29, 2026 Accepted: October 8, 2026 Published online: November 15, 2026 Processing time: 158 Days and 14.1 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal dysfunction is common after colorectal cancer surgery and often interferes with recovery.
AIM
To investigate whether acupuncture can help restore gastrointestinal function in patients after colorectal cancer surgery and whether it is safe.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL up to July 20, 2026, for randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture plus usual care with usual care alone or with sham acupuncture. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials). The primary outcomes were time to first flatus and time to first bowel movement. Heterogeneity was examined using the I² statistic, and a random- or fixed-effects model was applied based on the level of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
A total of eight randomised controlled trials with 1365 patients were included. Acupuncture significantly decreased the time to first flatus [mean difference (MD) = -8.72 hours, 95%CI: -14.01 to -3.44, I2 = 88%] and the time to first bowel movement (MD = -13.32 hours, 95%CI -20.12 to -6.52, I2 = 80%). No significant difference was observed in hospital stay (MD = -10.63 hours, 95%CI: -33.99 to 12.74, I2 = 73%). Subgroup analyses indicated that the effect of acupuncture on gastrointestinal recovery varied across different acupuncture modalities, while sensitivity analyses suggested that the heterogeneity was partly driven by differences in study design and control types. No serious adverse events were reported. Overall, the quality of evidence was moderate.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture accelerates gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal cancer surgery and appears safe, but its effect on hospital stay remains uncertain. Further well‑designed studies are needed.
Core Tip: Gastrointestinal dysfunction is common after colorectal cancer surgery and often interferes with recovery. Therefore, in this systematic review and metaanalysis, we aimed to investigate whether acupuncture can help restore gastrointestinal function in these patients and whether it is safe.
