Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation in Postoperative Pain

Persistent postoperative pain is a common complication following surgical procedures and represents a significant clinical challenge. In some patients, postoperative pain evolves into chronic neuropathic pain that may become refractory to conventional pharmacological treatments. Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRG-S) has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic option for managing localized neuropathic pain conditions, including persistent postoperative pain.
The dorsal root ganglion plays a critical role in the transmission and modulation of sensory signals originating from peripheral tissues. Targeted stimulation of this structure allows modulation of sensory neuron activity involved in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain.
Compared with conventional spinal cord stimulation, DRG stimulation provides greater anatomical precision and is particularly well suited for focal pain syndromes frequently observed after surgery. These include pain following hernia repair, thoracic surgery, orthopedic procedures, or limb amputation. The precise targeting of the DRG allows more stable coverage of the painful area and reduced variability in paresthesia related to positional changes.
Several clinical studies have reported significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in quality of life among patients with persistent postoperative pain treated with DRG stimulation. Careful patient selection and multidisciplinary evaluation remain essential to optimize therapeutic outcomes. The procedure must be performed by a trained team with expertise in pain management.
DRG stimulation therefore represents an innovative and efficient approach for the treatment of refractory postoperative neuropathic pain.