Is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation an effective analgesia during colonoscopy?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as analgesia during colonoscopy.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy in a teaching hospital.


RESULTS
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.
Robinson
R
R
Glenfield Hospital, NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
Darlow
S
S
Wright
S J
SJ
Watters
C
C
Carr
I
I
Gadsby
G
G
Mayberry
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003113:Colonoscopy; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008874:Midazolam; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008874:Midazolam