Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the management of pancreatitis pain

The application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to the abdomen produced prompt and sustained relief of the pain associated with pancreatitis in five patients and in another patient with probable acute pancreatitis. The disorder was acute in two patients and recurrent in four. Multiple hospitalizations, including the need for analgesics and opiates, had been required during previous attacks in five patients. In view of the simple and noninvasive nature of such treatment, more extensive clinical trials appear to be warranted. Some of the possible mechanisms of action for TENS analgesia are reviewed.