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Controlled trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for postoperative pain relief following inguinal herniorrhaphy
Gilbert JM, Gledhill T, Law N, George C
The British Journal of Surgery 1986 Sep;73(9):749-751
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

We have evaluated the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on postoperative pain following inguinal herniorrhaphy in a prospective randomized controlled trial. Forty male patients undergoing unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy for the first time were randomized to receive either active or inactive TENS. Electrical stimulation was delivered by electrodes placed along either side of the wound following operation. An identical apparatus, which did not deliver an electrical current, was applied to control patients. Pain was assessed over the first 3 postoperative days by visual analogue pain scores, expiratory peak flow rates and analgesic requirements. There was no difference between the two groups for pain scores, peak flow rates or analgesic requirements and we conclude that TENS as used in this trial does not reduce postoperative pain. However, TENS had considerable patient appeal and many patients believed that it was effective.

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