The efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in control of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy

Background: Despite advances in antiemetic treatment, complications are still problematic for a significant number of patients after chemotherapy. This study was performed to determine the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the control of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy at Nemazee Hospital in Shiraz, southern Iran. Methods: 32 subjects with cancer from Outpatients Depatment in Nemazee Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, in Shiraz, southern Iran were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups of TENS and placebo. Patients in both groups were matched for age, severity of nausea and vomiting and type of malignancy. Cisplatin or cyclophosphamide was used for chemotherapy and granistron along with dexametasone were used as antiemetic agents. In the test group, the p6 acupuncture point (acupoint) was stimulated by TENS when the antiemetic agent was administered and continued during wakening every 2 hours for 72 hours after chemotherapy. The placebo group was similarly treated but with an off mode stimulator. Results: In regard to the severity of nausea, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in the first 24 hours of chemotherapy but the intensity of nausea in the TENS group was significantly lower than those of the placebo group during 48 and 72 hours of chemotherapy. The mean frequency of vomiting during first, second and third 24 hours was significantly lower in the control group. Conclusion: TENS can be used as an adjunct with antiemetics for controlling nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy.