Effect of Transcutaneous Electro-stimulation in Ambulatory Postoperative Rehabilitation Treatment in Thoracic Surgery.

Chest pain is one of the most difficult problems to solve after thoracic surgery. Its correct control is often quite difficult, which can cause complications due to an ineffective cough and superficial respiratory movements. It could provoke secretion retention, lung atelectasis, and even pneumonia. In addition, insufficient treatment of postoperative pain also causes a slower recovery of mobility, delaying the incorporation to daily life activities. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is a technique that attempts to establish pain control by applying electrical current through superficial electrodes Is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation effective for the pain rehabilitation approach after thoracic surgery? Are there spirometry changes related to pulmonary function after the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in postoperative rehabilitation of thoracic surgical patients?