Perioperative hydrogen gas inhalation improves postoperative recovery quality in day surgery patients
In a double-blind RCT of 150 day surgery patients (laparoscopic cholecystectomy or thyroidectomy), those inhaling a hydrogen-oxygen mixture (66.7% hydrogen) showed significantly better recovery quality than controls inhaling nitrogen-oxygen, with a smaller reduction in QoR-15 scores (9±12 vs. 14±13, p=0.008). Exploratory analyses suggested trends toward lower pain, greater physical independence, and improved sleep quality, along with reduced plasma IL-6 and IL-12 levels.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Perioperative hydrogen gas inhalation improves postoperative recovery quality in day surgery patients The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Perioperative hydrogen gas inhalation improves postoperative recovery quality in day surgery patients
This conclusion is most relevant to: Day surgery patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy or thyroidectomy (n=150, 76 hydrogen group, 74 control group).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The impact of perioperative hydrogen gas inhalation on postoperative recovery in day surgery patients: a research study. (Scientific reports, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Hydrogen inhalation reduces plasma levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-12)
- ▸Alleviates inflammatory stress associated with surgery
- ▸Promotes faster recovery and reduces postoperative symptoms
- ▸Result: Improved postoperative recovery quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Day surgery patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy or thyroidectomy (n=150, 76 hydrogen group, 74 control group)
Recommended Dose
N/A (concentration: 66.7% hydrogen; duration not specified in abstract)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Exploratory analyses for pain, physical independence, and sleep quality only showed descriptive trends, not statistically significant differences
- ▸Trend toward lower adverse events did not reach statistical significance (14.47% vs. 24.32%, p=0.127)
- ▸Single-center study may limit generalizability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of perioperative hydrogen inhalation in day surgery?▼
It significantly improves postoperative recovery quality as measured by the QoR-15 score, with a smaller reduction in scores compared to placebo.
How does hydrogen gas improve recovery after surgery?▼
Hydrogen appears to reduce inflammatory stress by lowering plasma levels of inflammatory markers like IL-6 and IL-12, which may facilitate faster recovery.
Was hydrogen inhalation safe in this study?▼
The hydrogen group showed a trend toward fewer adverse events (14.47% vs. 24.32%), though this was not statistically significant (p=0.127). No major safety concerns were reported.
What types of surgery were included in this trial?▼
The study included patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy or thyroidectomy in a day surgery setting.
References
- 1.Ji S, Xiao Q, Zhang B, Cai R, Jing Y, Yang D, Liu N, Zhang Z, Mei X. “The impact of perioperative hydrogen gas inhalation on postoperative recovery in day surgery patients: a research study..” Scientific reports, 2026. PMID: 42436242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-61287-y