The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain during venous cannulation

Abstract

Background: The venous cannulation procedure was widely used in many clinical procedures; however, it is associated with pain or discomfort.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) could reduce pain during cannulation of vein.

Methods: One hundred patients were allocated randomly to 2 groups. In the active TENS group, TENS was delivered via 2 electrodes on the venous cannulation site (radial side of the wrist of dominant forearm) 20 minutes before venous cannulation, and the control group received placebo (no current) TENS. Venous cannulation with a 22-gauge cannula was performed. During venous cannulation, the pain intensity (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable) was measured. Any side effects during study periods were recorded.

Results: The incidence of pain during venous cannulation was similar between the 2 groups. However, pain intensity was significantly lower in the active TENS group than placebo group (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the side effects such as erythema and itching between the groups.

Conclusions: TENS may be a suitable option for reducing the pain intensity during venous cannulation. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01607463.

Keywords: cannulation; pain; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; vein.