Efeito da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) no alívio da dor, capacidade pulmonar, força muscular respiratória e catastrofização da dor em pacientes no pós- operatório de colecistectomia laparoscópica

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery has been increasingly common among surgical procedures, with pain in the postoperative period being one of the greatest concerns of professionals, as well as the reduction of lung function and respiratory muscle strength. The patient's mental state can also be considered an interferential factor. Pain is a recurrent phenomenon that needs to be evaluated, so that the patient is properly treated and has a better quality of life in the postoperative period. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used as an adjunctive treatment for pain relief, however, clinical trials of higher methodological quality need to be carried out so that there can be a better recommendation, guaranteeing the effect of its use. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of TENS decreases pain and, consequently, increases lung strength and capacity in the postoperative period of laparoscopic surgery, in addition to verifying whether there is an association between pain catastrophization and postoperative pain. This is a randomized, double-blind clinical study with 49 patients, both sexes, over 18 years old, complaining of postoperative pain, allocated in 2 groups: TENS SHAM group (n = 24) and TENS active group (n = 25). Lung capacity (FVC, FEV1, VC and CV), respiratory muscle strength (Pimax and Pemax) and pain (VAS) were assessed before and after 30 minutes of applying TENS. The pain catastrophizing scale was applied preoperatively, on the day of surgery, as a predictor of postoperative pain.