Randomised Controlled Trial Study of the Effect of TENS and NSAID (Opoid) Drug in the Management of Post Operative Gynaecological Pain
Abstract
Background: TENS is a non-invasive, safe nerve stimulation intended to reduce pain, both acute and chronic. However there is controversy regarding its effectiveness in relieving this pain.
Objective: This study was designed to establish the effectiveness of TENS compared with NSAID drugs in the management of patient with post operation pain due to gynaecological conditions (Hysterectomy/myomectomy) and caesarean section.
Methods: Thirty (30) patients with diagnosis of fibroid for hysterectomy/myomectomy, caesarian section and surgical procedures were assigned into three groups of 10 patients each.
Group 1: treated with NSAID drugs
Group 2: treated with NSAID drugs with TENS
Group 3: treated with TENS
Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at the beginning pre-treatment and at the end of every week for three uninterrupted weeks in each group and compared.
Results: The groups were comparable with VAS scores over three weeks post operative period. A statistically significant difference was found in all the three groups between the mean pre-treatment and post-treatment pain intensities for the three weeks (p=0.00). The mean VAS score decreased with each groups; however the mean VAS scores of TENS with drug decreased significantly compared with drug and TENS alone groups (p<0.05). Although NSAID alone controlled the pains better than TENS alone this superiority was not appreciated until the third week (p= 0.01).
Conclusion: We conclude that TENS with NSAID was more effective than either NSAID or TENS alone in the management of post operation pain
Keywords: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, Gynaecological conditions
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