The utilization of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in postoperative ileus

Pain stimuli with resulting sympathetic hyperactivity are responsible for the inhibition of intestinal motility. In this clinical study on 30 adult patients after laparotomy, the effect of intermittent transcutaneous stimulation with a diadynamic current on intestinal motility was determined. It was established that bowel sounds return soon after transcutaneous nerve stimulation, and more than 50% of the patients passed flatus within 24 hours after the commencement of stimulation.