Email this pageDorsal Column Stimulator Surgery
What is it?
Surgical procedure to implant a device that stimulates nerves in the spinal cord with tiny electric impulses sent by small electrical wires.
What is the goal?
Alleviate pain for:
- Failed Back Syndrome
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD/Causalgia)
- Peripheral Vascular Disease and ischemic pain
- Phantom Limb Pain
- Post Herpetic Neuralgia
How is it done?
Surgery takes place in two stages.
Part 1: Under anesthesia an incision is made in your back to place the electrode is placed and the lead wires are externalized (brought out through the skin) to connect to the stimulator. The stimulator is adjusted with your input to determine positioning and intensity.
Part 2: If you are satisfied with the pain control provided by the stimulator than you will return for permanent implantation. An incision is made in your back and the external wires are removed and the lead is connected to new wires which are tunneled under your skin either around to your abdomen or your buttocks. Another incision is then made to place the pulse generator and to connect the wires to the generator.
If you did not achieve adequate pain control then the leads and wires will be removed.
What are the risks?
There are always risks with any surgery. Potential complications include:
- Bleeding
- Continued pain or unpleasant sensations in the area being stimulated
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Infection
- Injury to blood vessels or nerves
How long will I be in the hospital?
You will go home the same day as the surgery or the next morning.
At Home:
After Part 1:
- Keep the incision and external wires dry.
- Remove the back dressing 2 days after surgery but leave the external wire dressing in place.
After Part 2:
Remove all dressings 2 days after surgery. You will be given additional instructions on the day you are discharged which will include:
- No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Do not carry heavy items, such as groceries or laundry. Do not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk until told otherwise by your doctor.
- Avoid strenuous activity. You may resume sexual activity as desired.
Living with a Dorsal Column Stimulator
You may:
- Travel by plane and to high altitudes
- Scuba dive to 33 feet below sea level
- Use a computer, microwave, cell phones, television, radios, toaster and other small appliances.
Use caution with:
- Tanning beds, hot tubs, and saunas: stop if area around stimulator becomes too warm.
- Security detectors: you may notice changes in the stimulation and you may opt to turn off the stimulator while passing through security detectors.
Avoid:
- Driving and operating power tools when your stimulator is on.
- MRI scans
- Large stereo speakers with magnets
- High voltage power lines
- Electric substations
- Electric arc welding equipment
- Diathermy (deep heat treatments provided by physical therapy, chiropractors, dentist, etc).
