Acupuncture Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain Post Upper Abdominal Surgeries

Launched by CAIRO UNIVERSITY · Jun 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different treatments—acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (or TENS)—to see which one works better to reduce pain after upper abdominal surgeries, like gallbladder removal or stomach surgery. Both treatments are types of physical therapy used to help manage pain without medicine. The study aims to find out how effective and safe each treatment is when given within the first 48 hours after surgery or until the patient leaves the hospital.

Adults between the ages of 20 and 45 who have pain following upper abdominal surgery and don’t have certain health problems (like heart, liver, or kidney disease) may be eligible to participate. Both men and women can join, as long as they don’t have reasons that would make acupuncture or TENS unsafe for them—such as metal implants or pregnancy. Participants will receive one of these treatments shortly after surgery and will be closely monitored to see how well their pain is controlled. This study is still recruiting participants, so if you or a loved one fits the criteria and is interested in pain relief options after surgery, this trial might be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who will have pain after upper abdominal surgery.
• • Adult patients will be between 20 and 45 years of age.
• • Both sexes will be included.
• • Patients have no contraindications for acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
• • Patients with good compliance and fit for treatment.
• • This study will be applied on upper abdominal surgeries \[laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Gastrectomy\].
• • Physical therapy will be used for up to 48 hours after surgery or until the time of discharge.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with other causes of pain other than that after upper abdominal surgery.
• • Patients who will have any contraindication for both therapies used.
• • Patients with cardiovascular disease, liver, or renal disease.
• • Patients with malignant tumors.
• • Patients with metal or electronic implants.
• • Patients with autoimmune disease.
• • Pregnancy, postpartum period, breastfeeding.
• • Patients with recent injury in the treatment area