Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

Nursing

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Program

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-24-2024

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this paper is to determine the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain relief compared to opioid analgesics within the postoperative period.

Methods: This study compiled data from four different databases and includes two randomized controlled trials, two systematic reviews and meta-analysis, one retrospective case control study, and one prospective comparative study. Primary endpoints included level of pain within the postoperative period and analgesic use. Secondary endpoint evaluated was recovery time.

Results: Results found that TENS as an adjunct to standard post operative pain control measures, decreased Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) rating of pain in cardiothoracic surgeries, cholecystectomies, laparoscopic gynecologic and orthopedic surgeries. Additionally, TENS use decreased time spent in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), increased patient mobility postoperatively, and was found to be more effective than other non-pharmacological methods of pain control.

Conclusion: Adjunct TENS use can decrease post operative pain and opioid consumption. Additionally, adjunct TENS can be just as effective as opioid analgesics in the postoperative period, however more research is needed to determine if TENS alone can be used for post operative pain control.

Keywords: post operative pain relief, TENs, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, visual acuity scale, opioid, analgesia.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Margaret Maki has a special interest in post-operative pain control and will be working in General Surgery at Advocate Christ Medical Center following graduation. She will be presenting on the Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Post-Operative Pain Relief as she has a special interest in ways that providers can combat the opioid epidemic.

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