The effect of intra-operative transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on posterior neck pain following thyroidectomy

Abstract

SummaryPosterior neck pain following thyroidectomy is common because full neck extension is required during the procedure. We evaluated the effect of intra-operative transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on postoperative neck pain in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy under general anaesthesia. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups; 50 patients received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation applied to the trapezius muscle and 50 patients acted as controls. Postoperative posterior neck pain and anterior wound pain were evaluated using an 11-point numerical rating scale at 30 min, 6 h, 24 h and 48 h following surgery. The numerical rating scale for posterior neck pain was significantly lower in the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group compared with the control group at all time points (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the numerical rating scale for anterior wound pain at any time point. No adverse effects related to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation were observed. We conclude that intra-operative transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation applied to the trapezius muscle reduced posterior neck pain following thyroidectomy.

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Musculoskeletal neck disorders in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy

“…According to a previous study, more than 80% of patients complain of posterior neck pain following thyroidectomy (Han et al, 2006). Thyroidectomy surgery is performed in the supine position while the patient's neck is placed at full extension (Park et al, 2015). Park et al (2015) suggested that this prolonged neck extension generates nociceptive stimuli and neural transmission intraoperatively, resulting in posterior neck pain following surgery.…”

“…Thyroidectomy surgery is performed in the supine position while the patient's neck is placed at full extension (Park et al, 2015). Park et al (2015) suggested that this prolonged neck extension generates nociceptive stimuli and neural transmission intraoperatively, resulting in posterior neck pain following surgery. Moreover, muscle strain, ischaemia, anterior longitudinal ligament injury and hyperextension of cervical facet joints could contribute to neck pain development (Park et al, 2015).…”

“…Park et al (2015) suggested that this prolonged neck extension generates nociceptive stimuli and neural transmission intraoperatively, resulting in posterior neck pain following surgery. Moreover, muscle strain, ischaemia, anterior longitudinal ligament injury and hyperextension of cervical facet joints could contribute to neck pain development (Park et al, 2015). Takamura et al (2005) showed that patients, during the early post-operative period, used not to move their necks and to walk robotically, possibly to prevent exacerbating the neck pain and to protect their incisions, and that this fact could be involved in a long-term neck pain.…”