Can a gentle electric zap ease pain after chest surgery?

NCT ID NCT07732764

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Fooyin University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) — a device that sends mild electrical pulses through skin electrodes — can reduce pain, improve sleep, and boost quality of life after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). About 90 adults scheduled for VATS will receive either active TENS or a sham device twice daily for three days starting 24 hours after surgery. Researchers will measure pain intensity, sleep quality, and overall well-being to see if TENS offers a helpful drug-free addition to standard pain care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) — a device that delivers mild electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the skin near the surgical site
What this could lead to: If it works, TENS could become a simple, drug-free way to reduce pain and improve sleep after chest surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial. The sham group may also experience some benefit, and individual results may vary. TENS may not work for everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

insomnia Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACUTE POSTOPERATIVE PAIN THORACIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Yuan's General Hospital
RECRUITING

Kaohsiung City, Kaohsiung City, 806, Taiwan

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