Application of enteral nutrients and auricular acupressure in preoperative bowel prep for colorectal cancer patients

Purpose This study evaluated the efficacy of enteral nutrients combined with auricular acupressure in preoperative bowel preparation for colorectal cancer patients.Methods Eighty-eight patients were randomized into four groups: low-residue diet, auricular acupressure, no-residue enteral nutrition, and a combination of auricular acupressure with enteral nutrition. Outcomes included intestinal cleanliness, nutritional markers (hemoglobin, total protein, prealbumin), time to first postoperative flatus/defecation, and complications.Results No-residue enteral nutrition significantly improved preoperative bowel cleansing (P < 0.05). The combination group showed the best intraoperative cleanliness, though without statistical significance. Postoperative total protein and prealbumin decreased markedly in the low-residue diet, auricular acupressure, and enteral nutrition groups (P < 0.05), but stabilized in the combination group (P > 0.05). Time to first flatus differed significantly across groups, with the low-residue diet group having the longest delay (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in defecation timing or complication rates (P > 0.05).Conclusion No-residue enteral nutrition enhances preoperative bowel preparation. Auricular acupressure may further optimize cleansing and support gastrointestinal recovery by accelerating peristalsis. The combined regimen improves nutritional status and immune function, offering a promising strategy for colorectal cancer surgery patients.Clinical trial registration identifier is MR-31-24-018828 (https://www.medicalresearch.org.cn/)