NCT07348952

Different Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Modes in Pudendal Neuralgia Post-prostatectomy

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 50 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of two different Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation modes in improving the pudendal neuralgia and its intractable perineal pain.

Detailed description

The need for this study will be developed from the lack in quantitative knowledge and information in the published studies about the effects of two different transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation modes in cases of pudendal neuralgia. The significance of this study will be raised from the persistence of this neuralgia and its intractable pain that may result in severe morbidity with repeated local injections, pain medications and numerous surgical attempts to alleviate pain as well as the increase in the period of hospitalization plus the delay in returning to normal life. So, this study will be conducted to add new information about the effect of different transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation modes in relieving chronic pudendal neuralgia post-prostatectomy, which may help the field of physical therapy and patients suffering from pudendal neuralgia.

Conditions

• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
• Pudendal Neuralgia
• Post Prostatectomy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	conventional Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation	A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation stimulator Zimmer Elektromedizingalva 5, from Germany was used. The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation treatment will be applied once daily, three times per week for three months. Each session lasts 20 minutes, using two electrodes over the perineal area on the Centrum tendineum and two under the buttocks at the ischial spines. The patient will be in a comfortable supine hook-lying position with abducted hips. The electrode surface area must be at least 4 cm² to prevent burns, and the interelectrode distance will not be less than the electrode's diameter. Adhesive electrodes will be used, or alternatively, moistened with jelly and secured with adhesive tape in the recommended areas. Square wave form with a frequency of 80-100 Hz and intensity of 10-30 milli ampere, associated with a pulse width of 50-60 µsec, generates comfortable paresthesia (tingling) without significant muscle contractions or fasciculations.
DEVICE	Acupuncture-like) transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation	A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation stimulator Zimmer Elektromedizingalva 5, from Germany was used. The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation treatment will be applied once daily, three times per week for three months. Each session lasts 20 minutes, using two electrodes over the perineal area on the Centrum tendineum and two under the buttocks at the ischial spines. The patient will be in a comfortable supine hook-lying position with abducted hips. The electrode surface area must be at least 4 cm² to prevent burns, and the interelectrode distance will not be less than the electrode's diameter. Adhesive electrodes will be used, or alternatively, moistened with jelly and secured with adhesive tape in the recommended areas. Square wave form with a frequency under 10 Hz and an intensity of 30 to 80 milli ampere will produce rhythmic, visible muscle contractions lasting 300-400 msec, tailored to the subject's tolerance at the same electrode placement.
OTHER	Traditional physical therapy	Traditional physical therapy for pudendal neuralgia following prostatectomy emphasizes conservative pain management and restoring pelvic floor function. This includes patient education, activity modification, postural correction, and supportive cushions to reduce perineal pressure. Pain relief methods involve thermal applications and relaxation techniques, while pelvic floor therapy focuses on muscle relaxation through manual therapy and myofascial release. Treatment introduces gentle stretching, neural mobilization, and stabilization exercises, tailored to the patient's needs and often coordinated with a multidisciplinary team.
DRUG	Gabapentin	First-line treatments for neuropathic pain include gabapentin, pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline), and SNRIs (such as duloxetine). NSAIDs and simple analgesics may address associated inflammatory pain but are less effective for neuropathic pain specifically. Muscle relaxants can help with pelvic floor spasms, and topical agents like lidocaine offer localized relief. For persistent symptoms, pudendal nerve blocks may be performed by specialists.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-09-01
• Primary completion: 2025-01-01
• Completion: 2025-03-01
• First posted: 2026-01-16
• Last updated: 2026-01-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt