Short-term peripheral nerve stimulation for pain relief in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
This meta-analysis provided preliminary evidence that short-term peripheral nerve stimulation may relieve pain during the implantation period, but not all outcomes suggest sustained improvements after electrode removal.
Study context
- Population
- Adults receiving short-term peripheral nerve stimulation for pain relief, compared with sham stimulation or usual care
- Participants
- 543 adults8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
- Comparison
- Short-term peripheral nerve stimulation with sham stimulation or usual care
- Outcome
- Change in average pain intensity during the implantation period
- Follow-up
- 1-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks during the implantation period
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
intervention group vs control groupSMD (95% CI)P value
1-4 weeks
−0.48(−0.71 to −0.26)
P < 0.00015-8 weeks
−0.96(−1.22 to −0.70)
P < 0.0001Further pooled results
| Outcome | MD (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain interferenceIntervention groupvs control group5-8 weeks during the implantation period | −1.34 (−1.86 to −0.82) | P < 0.00001 | |
| Pain interferenceIntervention groupvs control group≥8 weeks after the end of treatment | −1.09 (−1.69 to −0.50) | P = 0.0003 | |
| −2−101Difference (linear scale) |
Worst pain intensity
- The intervention group showed a greater reduction than the control group at all time periods except 1-4 weeks after EOT
Pain interference
- Improvements in pain interference were delayed
Subgroup analyses
- Subgroup analyses showed improvements in postoperative pain
- The usual care-controlled subgroup showed more pronounced and sustained benefits than the sham-controlled subgroup
- The chronic pain subgroup also showed more pronounced and sustained benefits compared to the acute/subacute pain subgroup
Original publication
Short-term peripheral nerve stimulation for pain relief in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Anesth. Published 29 October 2026. doi:10.
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