Work

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation to the Transverse Abdominis Plane as Therapy for Refractory Abdominal Pain: A Case Series of Two Patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an emerging therapeutic intervention for chronic pain that modulates peripheral nerve activity, improving the interplay between Aβ and C fibers to reduce central sensitization and local nociceptive signaling. While the use of PNS is well supported for extremity neuropathic pain, evidence for its application in the transverse abdominis plane (TAP) remains limited. We present two patients with chronic refractory abdominal pain who underwent ultrasound-guided TAP stimulation using the SPRINT PNS (SPR Therapeutics; Cleveland, OH) system. Both experienced greater than 90% pain reduction during the 60-day stimulation period and at three-month follow-up, with one patient reporting sustained benefit beyond five months. No complications occurred other than a transient lead displacement in one case. These cases suggest that TAP PNS may be a safe and effective option for refractory abdominal pain and support further prospective evaluation of this novel application.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.97686

Authors: Christopher J Mallard, Preston C Rippe, Madhur Batra, Michael E Harned

Institutions: University of Kentucky, Harvard University, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Pain Management and Treatment

Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416589453