Using electrical stimulation to manage pain after cesarean delivery
Official title: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Post-Cesarean Pain Control
Run by Hawaii Pacific Health · NCT04399707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a device that uses electrical stimulation can help women manage pain after having a cesarean delivery better than a placebo.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hawaii Pacific Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Honolulu, Hawaii) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 29, 2020 |
| Main results expected | May 2021 |
| Study ends | May 2021 |
| Registry record updated | May 26, 2020 |
| Trial ID | NCT04399707 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women scheduled for a cesarean section who meet the inclusion criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic pain issues, prior opioid use, or specific contraindications to TENS will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for controlling post-operative pain in women after cesarean sections. Participants will receive either active TENS treatment or a placebo to compare pain relief outcomes. The goal is to determine if TENS can provide significant analgesia compared to no treatment. The study focuses on women undergoing scheduled or non-urgent cesarean deliveries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a non-pharmacological method for pain management after cesarean deliveries, reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using TENS for pain management, suggesting potential efficacy in this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- Women undergoing scheduled or non-urgent cesarean section Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking * Subjects with a history of chronic pain or chronic opioid use * Pre-operative use of opioids for more than 1 week in the preceding 6 months * Previous exposure to the TENS unit * Women with an allergy or contraindication to narcotics/NSAIDs/acetaminophen * Subjects who had a midline vertical skin incision during this operation * Subjects who did not receive intrathecal opioids at the time of their cesarean delivery * Adhesive allergies * Subjects with a pacemaker (due to the unknown effects of the TENS on the electrical activity of the heart) * Intraoperative general anesthesia * Inability to consent to the study * Postpartum tubal ligation
Where it's running
-
Nicole Kurata
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kelly Yamasato — Physician
- Study coordinator: Nicole Kurata
- Email: nkurata@hawaii.edu
- Phone: (808)577-3344
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Using Vitamin B Complex for Pain Relief After Cesarean Section
This study is testing if adding vitamin B complex to standard pain relief methods can help women recover better after a cesarean section while reducing the need for opioids.
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Anterior Knee Nerves Block vs Femoral Nerve Block for Knee Arthroscopy
This trial tests whether an anterior nerves of the knee (ANK) block provides similar pain relief to a femoral nerve block after knee arthroscopy in adults, aiming to reduce quadriceps weakness.
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Effects of massage and exercises on cesarean scar and recovery
This study tests whether direct scar massage or indirect massage plus exercise helps people recover after a cesarean birth and reduces scar-related pain.
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Reflexology and hand massage after cesarean section
This study tests whether reflexology hand massage or stroking hand massage can reduce anxiety and increase satisfaction, and how they affect heart/blood pressure after cesarean delivery.
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Esmolol vs Dexmedetomidine for opioid-sparing in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery
This study tests whether low-dose esmolol or dexmedetomidine, given during surgery, reduces opioid use and improves pain control after laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with placebo.
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Health education to see if primigravida women choose vaginal delivery more often
A health education program is being tested to see if it helps first-time pregnant women in choosing vaginal delivery over unnecessary cesareans.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.