Fig. 3

Square (black square) represents the ME group; triangle (black triangle) represents the TE group. *p < 0.05; ^# p < 0.0001. a The C-reactive protein was compared between two groups: the CRP level in blood was significantly lower on POD 0, 1, and 2 in TE group. b The oxygenation index was compared between two groups: the OI was better on POD 0, 1, 2, and 3 in TE group. c The degree incision pain was compared between two groups: the pain was less on POD 0, 1, 2, and 3 in TE group