Overview
This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on acute postoperative pain, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Participants will be randomly assigned to either an active TENS group or a sham TENS group. TENS treatment will be administered twice daily for 30 minutes over three consecutive days beginning 24 hours after surgery. Pain intensity, sleep quality, and quality of life will be assessed at predefined time points to determine the effectiveness of TENS as an adjunctive postoperative pain management strategy.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria
- Aged 15 to 85 years.
- Participants younger than 18 years of age must have written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian.
- Able to communicate and read/write in Chinese.
- Scheduled to undergo video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) as determined by the treating physician.
- Have stable vital signs.
- Willing to participate in the study and able to complete all study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria
- History of a bleeding disorder.
- Patients undergoing emergency surgery.
- Patients undergoing bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
- History of cardiac disease, including cardiac arrhythmia or implantation of a cardiac pacemaker.
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to TENS electrodes or adhesive pads.
- Cognitive impairment or inability to comply with the study procedures


