Pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) aims to improve neural control of swallowing by delivering targeted electrical impulses to the pharynx, thereby treating neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia.

To evaluate effectiveness and safety, 13 RCTs and one case series were analysed. Low-certainty evidence suggests that PES, as an adjunct to standard care, can improve swallowing function and accelerate the removal of the tracheostomy tube (decannulation) in tracheotomised stroke patients. No significant effects were shown for quality of life or length of hospital stay. Regarding safety, no relevant concerns were identified, as procedure-related complications such as transient pharyngeal discomfort occurred rarely. The effectiveness in progressive neurological diseases remains unclear.