[Acupoints selection rules of acupuncture and moxibustion for promoting gastrointestinal function recovery after intestinal cancer surgery based on complex network analysis].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the selection rules of acupoints for promoting gastrointestinal function recovery after colorectal cancer surgery using complex network technology. METHODS: Relevant literatures on acupuncture and moxibustion for promoting gastrointestinal function recovery after colorectal cancer surgery were searched from databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform, and SinoMed from retrieved to May 9, 2023. Literatures were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a database of acupuncture and moxibustion for promoting gastrointestinal function recovery after intestinal cancer surgery was established. Association rule analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0. Clustering analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. Complex network analysis was conducted using Gephi0.9.2. RESULTS: A total of 255 articles were included, covering 113 acupoints, with a total usage frequency of 1 080 times. The top 5 frequently used acupoints were Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), Tianshu (ST25), Zhongwan (CV12), and Neiguan (PC6). The meridians predominantly used were the Stomach Meridian, Conception Vessel, and Spleen Meridian. Commonly used specific acupoints included lower he-sea points, five shu acupoints, crossing points, and mu-front acupoints. Association rule analysis showed that the acupoint combination with the highest support degree was ST36-ST37 (33.82%), followed by ST36-ST25 (23.53%), ST36-CV12 (23.53%), and ST36-PC6 (22.43%). Clustering analysis identified 3 effective clusters. Complex network analysis revealed two core groups of acupoints：the back-lower limb prone position group and the abdomen-limb supine position group. Intervention measures primarily involved filiform needle acupuncture and electroacupuncture. Uniform reinforcing-reducing method was mostly used techniques, with strongly associated acupoints being ST37 and ST36；lifting-thrusting and twisting reducing method came secondly, with strongly associated acupoints being ST25 and CV12. Overall, reducing technique was used more frequently than reinforcing technique. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture and moxibustion for promoting gastrointestinal function recovery after intestinal cancer surgery focuses on strengthening and harmonizing the spleen and stomach, cultivating the body's foundation, and regulating qi flow. The specific acupoints on the Stomach Meridian, Conception Vessel, and Spleen Meridian were mainly selected, and filiform needle acupuncture and uniform reinforcing-reducing technique were mainly used to realize the bidirectional regulation characteristics and advantages of acupuncture.