Trial Search Results

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Control During First Trimester Abortion

High-frequency, high-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve-stimulation (TENS) is an inexpensive and non-invasive pain control approach. TENS, pulsating electrical currents that activate underlying nerves, does not have drug interactions or risk of overdose. Cochrane review of TENS for acute pain found inconclusive evidence. One previous abortion trial comparing TENS to IV sedation only looked at pain control in the recovery room. The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial comparing TENS to IV sedation (in conjunction with local anesthesia) among women presenting for first-trimester surgical abortion. Primary outcome will be perceived pain by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during aspiration.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.

Lead Sponsor:

Stanford University

Stanford Investigator(s):

Intervention(s):

  • Device: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
  • Drug: Moderate IV Sedation
  • Other: SHAM: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
  • Other: SHAM: Moderate IV Sedation

Phase:

N/A

Eligibility


Inclusion criteria:

   - Presenting for surgical abortion

   - Gestational age <12 weeks

   - < 18 years of age

   - Agrees to be randomized

Exclusion criteria:

   - Allergy to study medications (lidocaine, fentanyl, midazolam)

   - > 18 years of age

   - Fetal demise

   - Pre-procedure use of misoprostol

   - No means of transportation following procedure

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years - N/A

Genders Eligible for Study

Female

Not currently accepting new patients for this trial

Contact Information

Stanford University
School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
Not Recruiting