Articles: pain.
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Southern medical journal · Nov 1988
Review Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain control after cholecystectomy: lack of expected benefits.
We did a prospective study of two groups of patients having elective cholecystectomy through a right subcostal incision to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Of 64 patients, 30 received TENS postoperatively and 34 did not. Narcotic use in total dose or on a weight basis was not statistically different between the two groups, nor was there any difference in the occurrence of pulmonary or gastrointestinal complications. The use of TENS after this particular operation did not appear to lessen narcotic use or pain-related complications.
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Cancer-related pain can be well controlled in most patients. With prolonged survival and cure now possible with many tumors, pain management becomes a compelling issue for the quality of the patient's remaining life. In advanced stages of disease, analgesia is an imperative for both the patient and family; it provides the patient the opportunity for a dignified and comfortable death and lifts from the family the added burden of anger and despair that is so often associated with uncontrolled pain in a loved one. Astute assessment, a systematic approach to pharmacologic treatment, and ongoing monitoring of therapy are the fundamental elements of successful management of pain in most patients.
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We have attempted to dispel many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the use of narcotic analgesics in the treatment of childhood pain. Our hope is that an improved understanding and the application of effective, safe therapy will minimize the suffering of the child with acute or chronic pain.