OBJECTIVE: To assess the electroanalgesia as an effective method in the reduction of pain and consequent improvement in lung function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: During the period of one year were studied 30 patients undergoing surgery for treatment of the ischemic coronary disease. After randomization, 15 patients were allocated in the study group (that received electroanalgesia) and 15 patients from the controlled group (placebo). From the 1st until the 5th postoperative day were realized two applications of eletroanalgesia or the placebo current, according the group where the patient was allocate. RESULTS: There was a reduction in the levels of pain in the study group compared to the controlled group, evidenced by the value P<0.05; however, there isn't evidence of statistical difference of the spirometric variables between them. CONCLUSION: The group that did eletroanalgesia presented reduction in the intensity of postoperative pain, which however did not mean improvement in respiratory function of these patients
Myocardial revascularization; Pain, postoperative; Spirometry; Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation
