Ear stimulation may soothe Post-Surgery anal pain
NCT ID NCT07659314
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether stimulating the vagus nerve through the ear can reduce pain after anal or rectal surgery. Fifty adults will use a small device twice daily for two weeks before and after surgery. Researchers will track pain levels and painkiller use to see if this simple, non-invasive approach is feasible and helpful.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) applied to the ear
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to manage pain after anal or rectal surgery, reducing the need for strong painkillers.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early feasibility study with only 50 people. It is not yet proven to work, and the effect may be small or no better than a placebo.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Angers Hospital
Angers, Maine et Loire, 49933, France
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