Acupuncture versus TENS for pain after upper abdominal surgery
Acupuncture Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain Post Upper Abdominal Surgeries
This will test whether acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can reduce pain for adults after upper abdominal surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Al Mansurah) |
| Trial ID | NCT07036393 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls adults aged 20–45 who undergo upper abdominal surgeries such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy or gastrectomy. Participants will receive acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or standard postoperative drugs according to the protocol and will be treated for up to 48 hours after surgery or until discharge. Pain intensity and safety outcomes will be recorded to compare the effectiveness and any adverse effects of the two physical therapies. The aim is to provide practical guidance on using acupuncture and TENS for postoperative pain control after upper abdominal operations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 20–45 years old who experience pain after upper abdominal surgery (for example laparoscopic cholecystectomy or gastrectomy) and have no contraindications to acupuncture or TENS.
Not a fit: Patients with other causes of pain, major comorbidities (cardiovascular, liver, or renal disease), metal or electronic implants, pregnancy/postpartum/breastfeeding, autoimmune disease, or malignancy were excluded and are unlikely to benefit from the interventions studied.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these treatments could reduce postoperative pain and lower the need for systemic pain medications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of acupuncture and TENS for postoperative pain have shown mixed but sometimes positive effects, while direct head‑to‑head comparisons remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who will have pain after upper abdominal surgery. * Adult patients will be between 20 and 45 years of age. * Both sexes will be included. * Patients have no contraindications for acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. * Patients with good compliance and fit for treatment. * This study will be applied on upper abdominal surgeries \[laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Gastrectomy\]. * Physical therapy will be used for up to 48 hours after surgery or until the time of discharge. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with other causes of pain other than that after upper abdominal surgery. * Patients who will have any contraindication for both therapies used. * Patients with cardiovascular disease, liver, or renal disease. * Patients with malignant tumors. * Patients with metal or electronic implants. * Patients with autoimmune disease. * Pregnancy, postpartum period, breastfeeding. * Patients with recent injury in the treatment area
Where this trial is running
Al Mansurah
- Mansoura international hospital — Al Mansurah, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Samar Saad Nazim Mohamed, physical therapist
- Email: samarrrsaad@gmail.com
- Phone: 01003097314
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.