Audit
Is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation an effective
analgesia during colonoscopy?
R Robinsona, S Darlowa, S J Wrightb, C Wattersc, I Carrd, G Gadsbye, J Mayberryd
a Glenfield Hospital
NHS Trust, Leicester, UK, b Clarendon Park, Leicester, c Department of Clinical Psychology, Leicester
General Hospital, d Gastrointestinal
Research Unit, Leicester General Hospital, e Society of Electrotherapists, Leicester
Correspondence to: Dr Simon Darlow, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of St Cross, Barby Road, Rugby CV22 5PX, UK
Submitted 6 October
1999;
Accepted 9 May 2000
OBJECTIVES
To
evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS) as analgesia during colonoscopy.
DESIGNIn 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.
SETTINGPatients
undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy in a teaching hospital.
MAIN OUTCOMEThere 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
© 2001 by The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine
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