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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
Locations
-
Affiliated hospital of Nantong University
Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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