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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.

Last updated: Jul 15, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The impact of perioperative hydrogen gas inhalation on postoperative recovery in day surgery patients: a research study.

observational

Ji S, Xiao Q, Zhang B, Cai R, Jing Y, Yang D, Liu N, Zhang Z, Mei X · Scientific reports (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Perioperative (before and after surgery, exact duration not specified)
Intervention: Perioperative inhalation of hydrogen-oxygen mixture (66.7% hydrogen) via nasal cannula before and after surgery
Outcome: Postoperative recovery quality measured by QoR-15 score change, pain scores, physical independence, sleep quality, plasma inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-12), and adverse event incidence
Effect Size: N/A (only mean differences and p-values reported)
Population: Day surgery patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy or thyroidectomy (n=150, 76 hydrogen group, 74 control group)

Result:

PubMed: 42436242DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-61287-y

Mechanism Graph

Hydrogen inhalation reduces plasma levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-12)
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Alleviates inflammatory stress associated with surgery
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Promotes faster recovery and reduces postoperative symptoms
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Result: Improved postoperative recovery quality

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.