A Pilot Study on the Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Machine for First-stage Analgesia in a Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To report our preliminary experience in the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine for first-stage analgesia.
Methods: The number (%) of pethidine injections used before and after the introduction of TENS machine in April 2007 were reviewed. The women who had vaginal deliveries or underwent emergency caesarean sections for analysis were included.
Results: After the introduction of the TENS machine in April 2007, the proportion of pethidine injections decreased significantly from 11.5% (October 2006 to March 2007) to 7.8% (April to September 2007) [p<0.001]. The difference was 3.7% (95% confidence interval, 1.7-5.7%).
Conclusions: Our preliminary data suggested that the use of TENS could decrease the use of pethidine for firststage analgesia.