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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
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.
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.
out-clinics of the general surgery department in Om-El Misrieen hospital
Giza, Egypt
measurement of Serum cortisol level
Normal morning serum cortisol levels range from 9 to 25 µg/dL, and patients with painful conditions tend to exhibit higher-than-normal serum cortisol levels. Estimation of serum cortisol levels will be performed before and after 3 months of the treatment program. A venous blood sample (8 cubic centimeter) will be collected in the morning, centrifuged, and stored at -20 °C until analysis.
Time frame: at baseline and 12 weeks
assessment of pain intensity
Pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which features a 10-cm line marked from no pain (0) to worst imaginable pain (10). Participants indicated their pain level on this line, and the distance from the zero point was recorded as the pain score. VAS assessments occurred before and after treatment and are recognized as a valid and reliable method for quantifying pain intensity in clinical research.
Time frame: at baseline and 12 weeks
assessment of the carbamazepine intake
it will be used to evaluate the improvement in the chronic pudendal neuralgia post-prostatectomy and its intractable perineal pain
Time frame: at baseline and 12 weeks
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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.
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.