Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Vital Signs and Pain Severity Post-Episiotomy in Primiparous Women: A Clinical Trial

Episiotomy is the most common operation in obstetrics. Perineal pain is the main complication of the episiotomy. Postoperative pain reduces patient satisfaction, increases the need for analgesia and alters patient’s vital signs. Hence, considering the importance of pain relief, this study was conducted to determine the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the vital signs and the pain severity post-episiotomy.

This randomized clinical trial was performed on 120 primiparous women referred to Sanandaj Besat Hospital in 2018. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: intervention (TENS-On), placebo (TENS-Off), and control groups. TENS electrodes were located in the genitofemoral and pudendal nerves. The pain severity was assessed using NRS in four times (before intervention, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after intervention), in resting, sitting and activity positions. Vital signs were assessed with a monitoring device in two times (before and afterintervention). Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software version 20.

  In placebo and control groups, there was no significant difference in pain score. A significant difference was observed in mean pain severity for the intervention group with walking activities (P = 0/04) and resting position (P=0/008). Mean systolic blood pressure (p=0/008) and respiration rate (p=0/015) were significantly different between groups.

TENS decreases the post-episiotomy pain and improve the blood pressure and respiration rate in women which can be the indicator of their relaxation and decreasing stress