Abstract:
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an adjunctive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) for the post-procedural pain in patients who underwent pleurodesis for pneumothorax. Methodology: Sixty patients in the age group of 20-60 years, planned for pleurodesis in the operating rooms of our hospital, were divided into two groups of 30 each. Patients were alternatively assigned to one of the two groups. In Group I diclofenac sodium 75 mg in 100 ml of normal saline was started IV after the procedure, while TENS was applied for 45 minutes during this period. In Group II (control group) diclofenac sodium was started after the procedure, and an apparatus identical to TENS, but which did not deliver any electric current was applied as placebo. The blood pressure and pulse rate were noted at predefined intervals i.e. immediately after the procedure and then at 2, 4, 6 and 8 hrs after the procedure. A 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain at regular intervals. When the VAS score was ≥3, inj. diclofenac sodium 50 mg was repeated intramuscularly. Results: The systolic blood pressure was comparable in both groups immediately and 2 h after the procedure but it was significantly less in Group I at 4, 6 and 8 hrs respectively (P
Page(s):
154-157
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, Volume: 17, Issue: 2, Year: 2013