Noninfectious Complications of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) has emerged as a promising treatment for chronic neuropathic pain. However, its safety and complications are not fully understood, with existing literature primarily based on case reports, observational studies, and data base analyses. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the prevalence of noninfectious complications associated with DRGS, focusing on the trial phase, postimplantation period, and revisions, while identifying risk factors for these outcomes.

Materials and methods: This systematic review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple data bases in June 2023. Studies included randomized and nonrandomized trials, and cohort studies involving ≥20 patients with DRGS. The exclusion criteria were studies that did not differentiate DRGS-specific complications, focused solely on infections, lacked sufficient data for prevalence estimation, or presented only subanalyses from larger studies. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed to estimate the overall prevalence of complications.

Results: Thirteen studies with 634 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of all complications was 37% (95% CI: 19%-57%), with device-related complications being the most common at 27% (95% CI: 15%-42%). Lead fractures and migrations were the most frequently reported device-related complications with, respectively, 6% (95% CI: 2%-12%) and 6% (95% CI: 2%-10%). Procedure-related complications had a pooled prevalence of 1% (95% CI: 0%-5%), with dural puncture being the most common. The prevalence of DRGS explantations was 12%, primarily due to insufficient pain relief.

Conclusions: DRGS shows a safety profile comparable to that of spinal cord stimulation, with similar rates of lead migrations and fractures. Improvements in surgical techniques, technology, and clinician expertise are expected to reduce complications. Future research should standardize reporting practices and detail implantation techniques to better understand and refine best practices in DRGS implantation.