Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of touch therapy and music psychological relaxation on physiological and psychological stress in patients undergoing LARG for gastric cancer. Methods A total of 92 gastric cancer patients from January 2022 to May 2023 who were underwent LARG at the Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng City were selected, and randomly divided into the intervention group (n=46, touch therapy and music psychological relaxation) and the control group (n=46, routine nursing). The perioperative indicators, physiological stress, psychological stress, and sleep quality in both groups were compared. Results In surgery, first exhaust, recovery of bowel sounds, mobilization, and hospital stay, in comparision of the control group, the intervention group was shorter (P<0.05). 1 hour after waking up, MAP and HR in both groups were increased (P<0.05), but in comparision of the control group, the intervention group was more stable (P<0.05). At discharge, BAI and BDI-II scores in both groups were decreased (P<0.05), and in comparision of the control group, the intervention group was lower (P<0.05). At discharge, PSQI scores in both groups were decreased (P<0.05), and in comparision of the control group, the intervention group was lower (P<0.05). Conclusion The combination of touch therapy and music psychological relaxation in the intervention of LARG patients can shorten the surgical time, promote postoperative recovery, alleviate physiological and psychological stress reactions, and improve sleep quality.

Key words: laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, touch therapy, relaxing music psychology, physiological stress, psychological stress