Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on postoperative pain and fear in children undergoing abdominal
Hilal Kurt Sezer1, Bayram Sonmez Unuvar2, Metin Gunduz3
1Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Derbent Campus, Zubeyde Hanim Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing - Niğde, Turkey.
Insights
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) effectively reduced postoperative pain and fear in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery. This non-pharmacological approach offers a promising alternative for pain management in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pain Management
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Postoperative pain and fear are significant concerns in pediatric surgical patients.
- Effective pain management is crucial for successful recovery.
- ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05119621.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for managing postoperative pain and fear.
- To determine the effect of TENS in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- Pediatric patients aged 7-12 years undergoing abdominal surgery were included.
- Participants were randomized into TENS or control groups, with pain and fear assessed using validated scales.
Main Results:
- Baseline pain and fear scores were similar between groups.
- The TENS group showed significantly lower pain and fear scores during postoperative mobilization compared to the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is effective in reducing postoperative pain and fear in pediatric patients.
- TENS presents a viable non-pharmacological option for pain and fear management in pediatric abdominal surgery.
Objective:
Pain management in pediatric patients during the postoperative period is crucial for ensuring success in managing the postoperative process. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Methods:
This single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial included pediatric patients aged 7-12 years undergoing abdominal surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group using stratified block randomization according to the type of surgery (appendectomy or inguinal surgery). The experimental group received Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for 40 min before postoperative mobilization, whereas the control group received routine postoperative care only. Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. Pain intensity and fear levels were assessed using the visual analog scale, the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and the Children's Fear Scale at baseline and during postoperative mobilization.
Results:
As a result of this study, visual analog scale, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and Children's Fear Scale mean scores were found to be similar in the experimental and control groups in baseline measurement (p>0.05). The first and second measures visual analog scale, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and Children's Fear Scale mean scores were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
The results of the study showed that Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation application was effective on pain and fear before postoperative mobilization in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, a non-pharmacological method, can be used to manage pain and fear in the postoperative period in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Clinical Trial Registration Number:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05119621.