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. 2001 Jul;77(909):445–446. doi: 10.1136/pmj.77.909.445

Is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation an effective analgesia during colonoscopy?

R Robinson 1, S Darlow 1, S Wright 1, C Watters 1, I Carr 1, G Gadsby 1, J Mayberry 1
PMCID: PMC1760991  PMID: 11423594

Abstract

OBJECTIVES—To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as analgesia during colonoscopy.
DESIGN—In a randomised controlled trial, patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy were assigned to one of three groups: standard medication only (midazolam); active TENS plus standard medication; or non-functioning TENS and standard medication. Efficacy of TENS was determined using numerical rating scores for pain and the post-procedural evaluation questionnaire.
SETTING—Patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy in a teaching hospital.
MAIN OUTCOME—There was no statistically significant differences between the three groups. However in the active TENS group there was a greater variation in "physical discomfort" and "psychological distress", suggesting TENS may be effective in subgroup of patients.


Keywords: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; analgesia; colonoscopy

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Selected References

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