Prospective Observational Cohort Study on Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation in Chronic Postsurgical Pain: Results of Patient-Reported Outcomes at Two Years

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation on pain, physical function, and quality of life in patients with chronic postsurgical pain. We hypothesized that the effects of DRG stimulation would be sustainable through two years of follow-up. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational cohort will include 30 patients, at least 18 years old, scheduled to receive DRG stimulation in two Dutch hospitals. A minimum pain score of 50 mm on a 100-mm visual analog scale was required. Following written informed consent, patients completed validated questionnaires on pain, physical function, and quality of life at baseline, one year, and two years. Change over time was analyzed using mixed model statistics, with Tukey-Kramer correction. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Follow-up was completed by 22 of 30 enrolled patients. Pain scores decreased at one year (−38 ± 7, 95% CI [−51 to −25], p < 0.001) and two years (−29 ± 6, 95% CI [−42 to −17], p < 0.001) compared with those at baseline. Physical function measured with pain severity and interference decreased at one and two years (−2.5 ± 0.5, 95% CI [−3.3 to −1.5], p < 0.001, and −2.3 ± 0.5, 95% CI [−3.3 to −1.3], p < 0.001, respectively). Quality of life increased over time (0.22 ± 0.05, 95% CI [11–33], p < 0.001, at one year; 0.21 ± 0.05, 95% CI [10–31], p = 0.001, at two years). Conclusions: DRG stimulation in chronic postsurgical pain is associated with a sustainable reduction in pain and an improvement in physical function and in quality of life, through two years of follow-up.