Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for the Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting
DESCRIPTION
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device consists of an electronic stimulus generator that transmits pulses of electric current to electrodes on the skin. The use of a TENS device for the treatment of nausea and vomiting continues to be investigated.
POLICY
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the treatment of nausea and vomiting is considered investigational.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
No controlled studies were found in the published literature that validate the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for nausea and vomiting or provide comparisons to other types of treatments.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the treatment of nausea and vomiting does not meet the following technology evaluation criteria:
The scientific evidence must permit conclusions concerning the effect of the technology on health outcomes.
The technology must improve the net health outcome.
The technology must be as beneficial as any established alternatives.
The improvement must be attainable outside the investigational settings.
SOURCES
Cekmen, N., Salman, B., Keles, Z., Asian, M., & Akcabay, M. (2007). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. 19 (1). 49-52. Retrieved June 19, 2007 from PubMed database.
Chen, L., Tang, J., White, P. F., Sloninsky, A., Wender, R. H., Naruse, R., et al. (1998). The effect of location of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on postoperative opioid analgesic requirement: Acupoint versus nonacupoint stimulation. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 87 (5), 1129-1134.
Dundee, J. W., Yang, J., & McMillan, C. (1991). Non-invasive stimulation of the P6 (Neiguan) antiemetic acupuncture point in cancer chemotherapy. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 84 (4), 210-212. Abstract retrieved January 4, 2000 from PubMed database.
Fassoulaki, A., Papilas, K., Sarantopoulos, C., & Zotou, M. (1993). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces the incidence of vomiting after hysterectomy. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 76 (5), 1012-1014. Abstract retrieved January 4, 2000 from PubMed database.
Habib, A. S., Itchon-Ramos, N., Phillips-Bute, B. G., Gan, T. J., & Duke Women’s Anesthesia (DWA) Research Group. (2006). Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation with theReliefBand for the prevention of nausea and vomiting during and after cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 102 (2), 581-584.
Hayes. Medical Technology Directory. (2006, February). Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for the Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting. Retrieved June 19, 2007 from www.Hayesinc.com/subscribers.
Lee, A., & Done, M. L. (1999). The use of nonpharmacologic techniques to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting: A meta-analysis. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 88 (6), 1200-1202. Abstract retrieved December 26, 2001 from PubMed database.
Pearl, M. L., Fischer, M., McCauley, D. L., Valea, F. A., & Chalas, E. (1999). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as an adjunct for controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in gynecologic oncology patients. Cancer Nursing, 22 (4), 307-311.
Wang, B., Tang, J., White, P. F., Naruse, R., Sloninsky, A., Kariger, R., et al. (1997). Effect of the intensity of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation on the postoperative analgesic requirement. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 85 (2), 406-413.
White, P. F., Issioui, T., Hu, J., Jones, S. B., Coleman, J. E., Waddle, J. P., et al. (2002). Comparative efficacy of acustimulation (ReliefBand) versus ondansetron (Zofran) in combination with droperidol for preventing nausea and vomiting. Anesthesiology, 97 (5), 1075-1081. Abstract retrieved October 15, 2003 from PubMed database.
Zarate, E., Mingus, M., White, P. F., Chiu, J. W., Scuderi, P., Loskota, W., et al. (2001). The use of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation for preventing nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 92 (3), 629-635. Abstract retrieved December 26, 2001 from PubMed.
|
EFFECTIVE DATE |
7/26/2007 |
|
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
This document has been classified as public information.