Overview of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for treatment of acute postoperative pain

The Office of Health Technology Assessment of the Public Health Service recently reviewed primary evidence presented by investigators who conducted clinical trials of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). The therapeutic use of TENS involves placing electrodes at various locations on the body and then applying electrical impulses to the patient through the electrodes. OHTA's assessment concludes that, in instances in which specific indications are met, TENS for treatment of acute postsurgical incision pain has become an accepted alternative to conventional methods of treatment.