Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation versus Laser on Shoulder Functional Performance in Living Liver Donors

Abstract

Background: In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), reported donors` mortality and morbidity were highly  correlated with surgeon skills. Therefore, liver transplantation has become a distinct maneuver. In addition, minor liver surgeries complications include shoulder pain, pruritus, urinary retention, as well as major morbidity such as central venous catheter-induced thrombosis of brachial and/or subclavian vein, neuropraxia, foot drop also prolonged post-dural puncture headache.
Objective: to compare effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) versus low level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and functional performance of liver donors' suffering from shoulder pain.
Patients and Methods: Thirty donors of both genders with ages ranging from 20 to 40 years old were selected from the Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic of National Liver Institute, Menoufia University. They were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group A included 15 donor patients who received 30 minutes TENS, 3 times per week, plus conventional physical therapy exercise program for 12 sessions along 4 weeks and group B that included 15 donor who received fifteen minutes LLLT 3 times per week plus conventional physical therapy exercise program for 12 sessions along 4 weeks.
Results: A significant improvement of VAS values post-treatment in both groups, also a significant SST benefits, plus improvement in shoulder flexion and abduction post-treatment compared to pre-values (p > 0.001) unless group A valuesthat were superior to those of group B.
Conclusion: It could be concluded that both TENS as well LASER were effective in shoulder functional performance in donor` painful shoulders, but TENS was more effective.