title: The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain during venous cannulation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The venous cannulation procedure was widely used in many clinical procedures; however, it is associated with pain or discomfort.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to investigate whether transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) could reduce pain during cannulation of vein.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred patients were allocated randomly to 2 groups. In the active TENS group, TENS was delivered via 2 electrodes on the venous cannulation site (radial side of the wrist of dominant forearm) 20 minutes before venous cannulation, and the control group received placebo (no current) TENS. Venous cannulation with a 22-gauge cannula was performed. During venous cannulation, the pain intensity (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable) was measured. Any side effects during study periods were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of pain during venous cannulation was similar between the 2 groups. However, pain intensity was significantly lower in the active TENS group than placebo group (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the side effects such as erythema and itching between the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TENS may be a suitable option for reducing the pain intensity during venous cannulation. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01607463.
authors.affiliation: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Saeyoung
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kibum
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Byungdoo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Son
authors.affiliation: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Younghoon
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jeon
keywords: cannulation; pain; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; vein