Transcutaneous electrical stimulation for gastrointestinal motility disorders

Abstract

Background/PurposeGastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility is categorized by muscle or nerve dysfunctions in any portion of the GI tract, which leads to abnormalities in GI motor and sensory function. Symptoms may vary depending on the organ affected and can be debilitating. Treatment usually involves diet and lifestyle changes. Pharmacotherapy is limited in effectiveness with various side effects. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES), a noninvasive, needleless technique that provides electrical stimulation using cutaneous non‐needle electrodes, has become increasingly popular. It has been shown to be beneficial in treating GI motility disorders.MethodsThis review paper navigates through the different TES techniques, including transcutaneous peripheral nerve (vagal/sacral/tibial nerves) electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (stimulation via acupuncture point), transcutaneous interferential current therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.Key ResultsAs we delve deeper, we explore the promising effects of TES on dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, postoperative ileus, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. The literature at hand speaks volumes about the therapeutic prowess of this noninvasive technique.Conclusion & InferencesThe time is ripe to evaluate further the full therapeutic potential of TES, a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical, nonsurgical, and home‐based self‐administrative technique in managing GI motility disorders.

The impact of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) on rectal distension‐induced pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—A study to determine the optimal TEA delivery modalities and effects on rectal sensation and autonomic function

“…For example, studies of electroacupuncture applied at variety of acupoints (ST25, ST37, BL20, CV6 etc) reported effectiveness to improve IBS symptoms 9 . In the current study, based on our own preliminary data 34 and available literature specific to TEA, 10,11,35 we evaluated the TEA effects when applied at only two acupoints and with two frequencies. Future studies with an expanded number of stimulation locations and stimulation parameters would be of considerable interest.…”

“…Acupuncture and electroacupuncture have been studied extensively for treatment of pain in patients with DGBI including IBS 9 . In recent years, transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA), which is considered as a neuromodulation method, has emerged as a noninvasive modality that replaces acupuncture needles by surface electrodes and offers an attractive nonpharmaceutical approach for opioid‐free pain therapy 10 . In this method, weak electrical stimulation with specific parameters designed for treating abdominal pain (and/or intestinal dysmotility) is performed via surface electrodes that are placed at certain acupuncture points in the vicinity of peripheral nerves.…”

Transcutaneous stimulation as a niche theme in gastroparesis therapy

“…8 Meanwhile, the latest document in 2024 is entitled F Non-invasive neuromodulation: an emerging intervention for visceral pain in gastrointestinal disorders written by Alam, M.J. and Chen, J.D.Z. 9 Next is the article entitled Transcutaneous electrical stimulation for gastrointestinal motility disorders written by Song, G. et al, 10 next article is Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy for management of refractory gastroparesis in patients with gastric neurostimulator devices: a multicenter retrospective case control study written by Ichkhanian, Y. et al 11 next article is Electroceuticals for Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders written by Jiang, Y. and Soffer, E. 12 And next article is Noninvasive electrical neuromodulation for gastrointestinal motility disorders written by Yin, J. and Chen, J.D.Z. 13…”

Preoperative Immunocyte-Derived Ratios Predict Postoperative Recovery of Gastrointestinal Motility after Colorectal Cancer Surgery

“…Numerous attempts have been made to treat this condition, but it is increasingly clear that one potential solution to properly manage it is by predicting the risk of occurrence with an adequate level of certainty and prevent it by addressing its contributing factors [7][8][9]. Endogenous factors such as age, certain chronic medication use, smoking, metabolic status, and gut microbiota, as well as exogenous ones such as blood loss, operation time, type of anesthesia, etc., have been proposed as determinants for the postoperative recovery of bowel function [10][11][12].…”