Objectives-To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stim
ulation (TENS) as analgesia during colonoscopy.
Design-In a randomised controlled trial, patients undergoing diagnostic col
onoscopy were assigned to one of three groups: standard medication only (mi
dazolam); active TENS plus standard medication; or non-functioning TENS and
standard medication. Efficacy of TENS was determined using numerical ratin
g scores for pain and the post-procedural evaluation questionnaire.
Setting-Patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy in a teaching hospital.
Main outcome-There was no statistically significant differences between the
three groups. However in the active TENS group there was a greater variati
on in "physical discomfort" and "psychological distress", suggesting TENS m
ay be effective in subgroup of patients.