Using TENS to Manage Pain After Chest Tube Removal

Effect of TENS Application After Thoracic Surgery on Pain Level and Analgesic Consumption During Breast Tube Extraction

Not applicable Interventional Cukurova University · NCT05927168

This study is testing if using a TENS machine can help reduce pain for patients when their chest tubes are removed after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCukurova University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Adana, Sarıcam)
Trial IDNCT05927168 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) as a non-pharmacological method for managing pain during chest tube removal after thoracic surgery. It aims to establish a protocol for TENS application in postoperative care, emphasizing the role of nurses in pain management. The study will include patients who meet specific eligibility criteria and will assess the pain levels experienced during the chest tube removal process. The goal is to enhance patient comfort and reduce reliance on analgesics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for chest tube removal after thoracic surgery and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of epilepsy, those using analgesics shortly before the procedure, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve recovery experiences for patients undergoing chest tube removal.

How similar studies have performed: While TENS has been used in various pain management contexts, this specific application after thoracic surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* be over 18 years old
* no chest tube
* not have a pacemaker or arrhythmia
* no history of pain, alcohol use or substance abuse
* no prior pre-operative TENS/opioid use
* no postoperative epidural analgesics
* no history of psychiatric illness
* no history of metastatic disease
* being conscious, able to speak
* no barriers to the application of TENS
* no postoperative complications and being I, II and III in the ASA classification of the American Society of Anesthesiology.

Exclusion Criteria:

* having a history of epilepsy
* using analgesics at least 1 hour before chest tube removal.

Where this trial is running

Adana, Sarıcam

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve StimulationProcedural Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.