Objective To observe the effect of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation(TAES)of Zusanli(ST 36)on gastrointestinal activities in organophosphorus pesticide poisoning(OPP)patients undergoing emergency treatment so as to explore its action in scavenging gastrointestinal toxicant.Methods A total of 116 OPP patients were randomly divided into control group and TAES group(n=58in each group)according to the simple random sampling method.All the patients received comprehensive treatment including gastric lavage

catharsis

oral administration of atropine Pralidoxime Chloride

Omeprazole

etc.For patients of the TAES group

TAES stimulation(30Hz/60 Hz

15-20mA)was applied to bilateral Zusanli(ST 36)for 30 min

3times a day till black stool was discharged.The vomiting times after catharsis

the time of the first defecation and black stool discharge

the dosage of atropine and the length of patient stay in hospital were recorded.Results Of the two 58 cases of OPP patients in the control and TAES groups

11(18.9%)and 3(5.2%)underwent vomiting after catharsis

being significantly lower in the TAES group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group

the time of first defecation and black stool discharge

the dosage of the administrated atropine and the time of hospitalization were significantly lower in the TAES group(P<0.05).Conclusion TAES of ST 36 may lower incidence of emesis

enhance the cathartic effect

promote gastrointestinal poison discharge

reduce total atropine dosage and shorten the hospitalization time in OPP patients

favoring the patient's rehabilitation.