TENS FOR POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AFTER CABG: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Managing postoperative pain after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery remains challenging, with limited evidence on effective interventions. This trial evaluated the impact of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on post-CABG pain. Methodology: A single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted with 68 CABG patients aged 40–70 years. Patients with serious cardiac or pulmonary conditions were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to Group A (TENS + standard care, n=34) or Group B (standard care only, n=34). TENS was applied twice daily for 30 minutes over 5 days. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS 25, and chi-square tests determined significance (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Group A showed a significant reduction in pain compared to Group B (p < 0.001). Notably, 61.8% of Group A reported no pain post-treatment, while 44.1% of Group B experienced moderate pain. Conclusion: TENS combined with standard care significantly reduces postoperative pain after CABG and offers a cost-effective, efficient pain management option