Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Device, Reletex Reliefband, With Current ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) Protocol to Further Decrease Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in the Bariatric Surgical Patient Within the First 24 Hours Postoperatively.

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · Jul 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a special device called the Reletex Reliefband can help reduce nausea and vomiting after bariatric sleeve surgery, a type of weight-loss surgery. The Reliefband is a small, wearable device that uses gentle electrical pulses on the skin to help control nausea without using extra medicine. Researchers want to see if adding this device to the usual care can make patients feel better, reduce the need for nausea medicines, lower side effects like drowsiness, help patients get moving sooner, and speed up recovery after surgery.

Adults between 18 and 75 years old who are having robotic sleeve gastrectomy surgery and have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher may be eligible to join. Participants will follow the hospital’s standard recovery plan and will wear the Reliefband for 24 hours after surgery. Nurses will regularly check how the device feels, monitor nausea, pain, and how much patients are moving around. Some people won’t be able to join, like those with certain medical devices (like pacemakers), pregnant women, smokers, or those with specific health conditions. This study will compare the Reliefband to a fake device (placebo) to see if it really helps reduce nausea and improve recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults 18-75 years of age BMI 35 or greater Patients eligible for and undergoing a Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy - Due to the nature of the Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy patients who may be unable to follow or comprehend the long-term restrictions and/or requirements inherent of the surgery due to altered mentation are excluded from having the surgery.
• • Able to consent on own behalf
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • A diagnosis of gastroparesis Pregnancy Presence of a cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator or intrathecal pump Current smoker or tobacco use within 30 days of procedure. Known allergic reactions to conductivity gel.
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