Impact of Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on Postoperative Pain and Quality of Life (QoL) After Inguinal Hernia Repair
Impact of Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on Postoperative Pain and Quality of Life (QoL) After Inguinal Hernia Repair
Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy still remains one of the most often performed inguinal hernia repair techniques. It is frequently associated with acute postoperative and chronic pain. Due to insufficient effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they are often overdosed. However opioids have many side effects. Interventional treatment, such as transversus abdominis plain (TAP) block requires an additional intervention and has relatively short effect, also could not be applied in outpatient conditions. The hypoalgesic effect of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is well known for many years, but effectiveness during postoperative period is still controversial and maybe therefore didn't come to daily practice. However it could be a promising part of multi-modal pain treatment for hernia patients. This study analyse the hypoalgesic effect of TENS and its impact on hernia specific quality of life (QoL) after Lichtenstein hernia repair.
Aim#1 To determine whether use of TENS is effective for acute postoperative pain relief.
Aim#2 To determine whether use of TENS have impact on hernia specific QoL in early and late postoperative period.
Aim#3 To identify factors associated with effectiveness/ineffectiveness of TENS procedures.
Aim#4 To determine whether a psychological condition (depression, anxiety and pain catastrophisation) is somehow associated with TENS effectiveness.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: