Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improves Key Symptoms of Chronic Constipation, Meta-Analysis Finds

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Chronic constipation affects roughly one in ten adults and can substantially reduce quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether vagus nerve-based neuromodulation — specifically transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and transcutaneous electroacupuncture — offers an effective and safe treatment option for people with this condition.

Researchers searched four major databases up to June 2025 and identified six randomised controlled trials involving a total of 356 participants. Pooling the data using a random-effects statistical model, the analysis found that vagus nerve stimulation produced statistically significant improvements across several important measures. These included reductions in pain severity on a visual analogue scale, improvements in stool consistency as rated by the Bristol Stool Form Scale, and meaningful increases in the frequency of both spontaneous and complete spontaneous bowel movements per week. Symptom severity in participants with irritable bowel syndrome-type constipation also improved significantly.

However, vagus nerve stimulation did not produce statistically significant improvements in anxiety scores, depression scores, or anorectal function when compared to control groups. No serious safety concerns were highlighted. The authors acknowledge that the evidence base currently consists of only six trials with a relatively small combined sample, which limits the strength of conclusions that can be drawn.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides encouraging evidence that vagus nerve stimulation — including transcutaneous electroacupuncture — can meaningfully improve bowel movement frequency, stool quality, and pain in people with chronic constipation, though larger trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Source: Saleh AO, Awashra A, Abouelmagd AA and colleagues. Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society (2026). View on PubMed (PMID 41762189) · doi:10.1016/j.neurom.2026.01.005

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