Objective To observe the analgesic effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS) in assisting general anesthesia(GA) for radical operation of breast carcinoma so as to explore its clinical application value.Methods Sixty patients scheduled for radical operations of the breast carcinoma were randomly and equally divided into GA group and TEAS+GA group.For GA

Propofol [4.5μg/mL

target concentration;(3.0±0.5)μg/mL during operation] was used in combination with Sufentanil(0.25μg/kg) and Cis-atracurium amine(0.2mg/kg).TEAS(5-10mA

2Hz/100Hz) was applied to Hegu(LI 4)-Laogong(PC 8) and Neiguan(PC 6)-Waiguan(SJ 5) on the affected side of the body for 30min.Heart rate(HR)

mean aterial pressure(MAP)

tube removing time and postoperative complications were recorded.Plasma β-endorphin content was assayed by radioimmunoassay.Results After anesthesia

patients with reduction in MAP in GA group were significantly more than those in TEAS+GA group(P<0.05)

and their HR decreased remarkably(P<0.05).After tracheal intubation

MAP in TEAS+GA group kept relatively stable

which was superior to that of GA group(P<0.05).In comparison with GA group

the patients' analepsia time and tube withdrawal time of TEAS+GA group were significantly shorter;and the dosage of analgesics of TEAS+GA group was significantly smaller than that of GA group(P<0.05).Patients with complications of pain

restlessness

drowsiness

nausea and vomitting were obviously fewer in TEAS+GA group than those in GA group.Compared with GA group

plasma beta-endorphin content in TEAS+GA group increased considerably 30min after TEAS

5min after skin-incision and after operation(P<0.05).Conclusion TEAS combined with general anesthesia for breast radical carcinoma operation can help keep a stable blood pressure during surgery

reduce the dosage of analgesics and strengthen pain relief.The analgesic effect of TEAS may be related to its effect in up-regulating plasma beta-endorphin level.