About TENS Removal
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with small incisions.Typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing the child to return home the same day.Resolves potential sources of irritation, infection, or discomfort from the implanted hardware.Performed by specialized pediatric orthopedic surgeons familiar with children's anatomy and needs.Low complication rate when performed electively for completed therapy.
Who is this surgery for?
- Completion of the prescribed therapeutic period for pain management (e.g., post-fracture or post-spinal surgery).
- Persistent pain or discomfort at the implant site.
- Signs of local infection, inflammation, or skin irritation around the leads.
- Hardware malfunction, failure, or battery depletion of the TENS unit.
- Patient or family preference for removal after successful treatment.
- Need for an MRI or other diagnostic procedure where the metal components are contraindicated.
How to prepare
- Pre-operative consultation with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon to review the child's medical history and reason for removal.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (like blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for a specified period if general anesthesia or sedation is planned.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (local, sedation, or general) tailored to the child's age and anxiety level.
- Informing the surgical team of any allergies, especially to adhesives, tapes, or medications.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or bruising at the incision site.
- Infection, though the risk is low with proper sterile technique.
- Minor scarring at the incision points.
- Nerve irritation or temporary numbness near the removal site.
- Rare risk of lead breakage, requiring a more extensive procedure for retrieval.
- Reactions to anesthesia or sedation.
- Recurrence of the original pain symptoms after device removal.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-procedure monitoring in a recovery area until anesthesia effects wear off.
- Incision sites are covered with a small bandage; keeping them clean and dry is crucial.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen) are usually sufficient for any discomfort.
- Light activities can be resumed quickly, but strenuous play or sports should be avoided for 1-2 weeks.
- A follow-up appointment is scheduled to check wound healing and remove any sutures.
- Parents are instructed to watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or fever.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tens removal in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform tens removal. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tens removal compare across other countries where we have data.
Neha Patel is a bright and...
Neha Patel is a bright and artistic 14-year-old who loves ballet. She was diagnosed with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at age 12, with a 55-degree thoracic curve. After a year of bracing failed to halt progression, she underwent posterior spinal fusion surgery. A TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) was implanted during surgery to help manage her significant post-operative pain, as she had a low tolerance for opioid medications. For six weeks, the TENS provided crucial pain relief, allowing her to begin gentle physical therapy. Her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Lee, recommended its removal now that her surgical pain had subsided and her fusion was healing well, to eliminate any risk of infection and because the device was no longer needed. The removal was a quick, minor outpatient procedure under light sedation. Neha was nervous about more 'surgery' but relieved to be rid of the external battery pack. Recovery was simple, with just a small bandage over the incision site. Within days, she felt a new sense of freedom and a major milestone in her journey. Emotionally, the TENS removal symbolized the end of the most difficult 'medical' phase. Before, she felt tethered to the device, a constant reminder of her surgery. After, she felt unburdened and could fully focus on her rehabilitation, dreaming of returning to dance in a modified capacity, her resilience stronger than ever.
Pediatric Orthopedics for TENS Removal
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform tens removal and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata