Comparative analysis on the effect of vagus nerve stimulation in reducing post-operative inflammation and enhancing recovery outcomes after surgery.

Excessive post-operative inflammation remains a major cause of complications, delayed recovery and prolonged hospitalization after major surgery. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the effect of perioperative transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on inflammatory biomarkers and recovery outcomes in 90 patients undergoing elective abdominal and cardiothoracic surgery. Patients receiving taVNS demonstrated significantly lower IL-6, TNF-α and CRP levels, together with higher IL-10 concentrations, than those receiving standard care. The taVNS group also showed earlier ambulation, lower pain scores, reduced analgesic requirements and shorter hospital stays. Thus, data shows the taVNS as a safe, non-invasive neuromodulatory strategy that effectively suppresses post-operative inflammation while accelerating clinical recovery.