Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain, respiratory function, and analgesic drug usage after thoracotomy: a prospective randomized study

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been applied to alleviate post-thoracotomy pain. In this study, we investigated the effects of TENS on pain scores, additional opioid doses, opioid-related side effects, and potential respiratory and cardiac complications.

In this controlled, randomized study, 40 patients underwent muscle-sparing thoracotomy. The TENS group consisted of 20 patients (Group T), while the control group included 20 patients (Group C). Postoperative pain scores, supplemental analgesia doses, opioid-related side effects, and postoperative cardiac and respiratory complications were measured.

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics. Pain scores in Group T were consistently lower throughout various time intervals. The additional analgesia dose in Group T was significantly lower at 24, 48, and 72 h (respectively, p = 0.007, p = 0.043, p = 0.032). Opioid-related constipation, nausea, and vomiting were lower in Group T (respectively, p = 0.047, p = 0.044). Group T exhibited significantly lower postoperative complications related to secretion retention (p = 0.044).

The application of TENS for post-thoracotomy pain control helps prevent secretion retention and reduces opioid usage, thus mitigating opioid-related side effects.