Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up Women only

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexWomen only
Enrollment180 (estimated)
SponsorHawaii Pacific Health
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Honolulu, Hawaii)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 29, 2020
Main results expectedMay 2021
Study endsMay 2021
Registry record updatedMay 26, 2020
Trial IDNCT04399707 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.