Ear zaps may Kick-Start stomach after pancreatic surgery
NCT ID NCT06786923
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a device that gently stimulates the vagus nerve through the ear could reduce delayed stomach emptying after a major pancreatic surgery (pancreaticoduodenectomy). 84 patients were randomly assigned to receive the stimulation during surgery or not. The goal was to see if fewer patients would need a nasogastric tube or have trouble eating solid food a week after surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulator (a device that stimulates the vagus nerve through the ear)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to help the stomach empty normally after pancreatic surgery, reducing hospital stays and discomfort.
What could go wrong
This is a small, single-center trial. The effect may be modest or not apply to all patients. The device may cause discomfort or fail to improve outcomes.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Affiliated hospital of Nantong University
Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China