Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the impact of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain, analgesic consumption, complications and comfort in patients having transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSG-PBx).

DESIGN AND

METHODS

The study population comprised eighty patients who fulfilled the selection criteria in a two-group, single-blind, single-center, prospective, parallel design of a randomized controlled intervention conducted at a university hospital from January 2021 to March 2022. The conventional TENS model (characterized by high frequency and short pulse duration) was administered twice to the patients in the intervention group. In the intervention group, TENS was initiated prior to TRUSG-PBx and administered continuously during the biopsy. The second TENS application was made two hours after the biopsy for a duration of thirty minutes. The control group received standard care.

RESULTS

The mean Numeric Rating Scale pain scores at all measurement intervals were statistically lower in the intervention group participants (p < .001). The incidence of anal pain and dysuria within the first twenty-four hours and one week post biopsy was significantly reduced in the intervention group (p < .05) relative to the control group. TENS considerably decreased the average analgesic consumption in the intervention group during the initial 24 hours post-biopsy (p < .05). Post-biopsy, the mean score of the Perianesthesia Comfort Questionnaire (p = .001) and the satisfaction level (p < .05) were significantly elevated in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The administration of TENS was determined to be beneficial in alleviating pain, reducing analgesic consumption, minimizing complications and enhancing comfort. These results suggest that TENS should be utilized during diagnostic procedures to alleviate procedural discomfort, minimize analgesic consumption, manage complications, enhance comfort and satisfaction.