Acupuncture versus TENS for pain after upper abdominal surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• Mansoura international hospital
  Al Mansurah, Egypt Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Samar Saad Nazim Mohamed, physical therapist
• Email: samarrrsaad@gmail.com
• Phone: 01003097314

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.