The role of electroanalgesia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the electroanalgesia as an effective method in the reduction of pain and consequent improvement in lung function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.


METHODS
During the period of one year were studied 30 patients undergoing surgery for treatment of the ischemic coronary disease. After randomization, 15 patients were allocated in the study group (that received electroanalgesia) and 15 patients from the controlled group (placebo). From the 1st until the 5th postoperative day were realized two applications of electroanalgesia or the placebo current, according the group where the patient was allocate.


RESULTS
There was a reduction in the levels of pain in the study group compared to the controlled group, evidenced by the value P<0.05; however, there isn't evidence of statistical difference of the spirometric variables between them.


CONCLUSIONS
The group that did electroanalgesia presented reduction in the intensity of postoperative pain, which however did not mean improvement in respiratory function of these patients.
Luchesa
Cesar Antonio
CA
Inspirar Centro de Pós Graduação, Brazil. cesarluchesa@hotmail.com
Greca
Fernando Hintz
FH
Guarita-Souza
Luiz César
LC
dos Santos
José Luiz Verde
JL
Aquim
Esperidião Elias
EE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013147:Spirometry; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000379:methods*