Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on postoperative pain and fear in children undergoing abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: Pain management in pediatric patients during the postoperative period is crucial for ensuring success in managing the postoperative process. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery. METHODS: This single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial included pediatric patients aged 7-12 years undergoing abdominal surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group using stratified block randomization according to the type of surgery (appendectomy or inguinal surgery). The experimental group received Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for 40 min before postoperative mobilization, whereas the control group received routine postoperative care only. Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. Pain intensity and fear levels were assessed using the visual analog scale, the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and the Children's Fear Scale at baseline and during postoperative mobilization. RESULTS: As a result of this study, visual analog scale, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and Children's Fear Scale mean scores were found to be similar in the experimental and control groups in baseline measurement (p>0.05). The first and second measures visual analog scale, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and Children's Fear Scale mean scores were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation application was effective on pain and fear before postoperative mobilization in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, a non-pharmacological method, can be used to manage pain and fear in the postoperative period in pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05119621.