How Long Does Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery Take

Chronic pain is one of the leading health problems that significantly reduces quality of life. In particular, long-lasting lower back, leg, neck, or nerve-related pain can negatively affect patients' daily lives. Spinal Cord Stimulation treatment, developed for patients who do not receive sufficient benefit from medication treatments, physical therapy applications, and other interventional methods, is one of the effective solutions offered by modern medicine. One of the most frequently asked questions about this treatment is, "How long does spinal cord stimulator surgery take?"

The duration of surgery may vary depending on the patient's general health condition, the scope of the technique to be applied, whether a trial phase will be performed, and surgical planning. However, when performed by an experienced team, the procedure is completed in a planned and safe manner. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı performs a detailed patient evaluation in chronic pain treatment and creates a personalized treatment plan.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery?

Spinal cord stimulator surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce pain signals reaching the brain through special electrodes placed around the spinal cord. The system consists of electrodes, connection cables, and a battery (generator) unit placed under the skin.

This method is particularly preferred for chronic neuropathic pain, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, and long-term nerve pain. The aim of the treatment is not to completely eliminate pain, but to significantly reduce the patient's pain and improve quality of life.

How Long Does Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery Take?

Spinal cord stimulator surgery is generally completed within 1 to 3 hours. However, this duration may vary depending on certain factors.

If the procedure is performed in two stages, trial electrodes are placed first. If sufficient pain reduction is achieved during the trial period, the permanent stimulator system is implanted in the second stage.

Permanent stimulator implantation can be completed within approximately 1-2 hours in most patients.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı performs a detailed evaluation of the patient before surgery and ensures that the procedure is planned in the safest and most appropriate way.

Stages of Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

Patient Evaluation: Before surgery, the patient's pain history is evaluated in detail.

MRI images, previous surgeries, medications used, and neurological examination are reviewed together.

Trial Stimulator Application: In many patients, temporary electrodes are placed first.

This process lasts for several days, and changes in the patient's pain are observed.

Permanent Stimulator Placement: If the trial is successful, the permanent generator is placed under the skin.

This procedure is completed through small surgical incisions.

Factors Affecting the Duration of Surgery

• Patient's Anatomical Structure
• Previous Surgeries
• Device Used
• Surgeon's Experience

In planned procedures performed by experienced surgeons, the procedure may progress in a more controlled manner. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı uses current surgical techniques in pain treatments to provide personalized solutions for his patients.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery?

Spinal cord stimulator surgery can be performed under local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's condition.

In some procedures, the patient may respond to the surgeon's instructions during the operation. This may make it easier to place the electrodes in the most appropriate area.

How Many Days Do You Stay in the Hospital After Surgery?

Most patients can be discharged on the same day or the following day.

The length of hospital stay may vary depending on the patient's general health condition and postoperative recovery process.

Recovery Process After Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

Mild pain or tenderness in the incision area may occur during the first few days.

It is generally possible to return to daily life within a few weeks.

Following the doctor's recommendations, avoiding heavy lifting, and avoiding sudden movements positively affect the recovery process.

Things to Consider After Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

• Heavy Exercise Should Be Avoided
• Follow-Up Appointments Should Be Performed Regularly
• Wound Care Should Not Be Neglected
• Device Settings Should Be Adjusted by the Doctor

Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

Helps Reduce Chronic Pain: A significant reduction in the sensation of pain may be achieved in many patients.

May Reduce Medication Use: As pain control is achieved, the need for painkillers may decrease.

May Improve Quality of Life: Patients may be able to perform their daily activities more comfortably.

It Is a Reversible System: The device can be removed or reprogrammed when necessary.

Is Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery Risky?

As with every surgical procedure, spinal cord stimulator surgery also carries certain risks.

Infection, bleeding, electrode displacement, or technical problems may rarely occur. However, these risks are quite low when procedures are performed in experienced centers.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı aims to minimize potential risks through detailed preoperative evaluation and provide his patients with a safe treatment process.

Success Rate of Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

When appropriate patient selection is made, the success rate of spinal cord stimulation treatment is quite high.

Especially in neuropathic pain and Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, a significant reduction in pain may be observed in a large proportion of patients. Success is closely related to the duration of the patient's condition, the cause of the pain, proper programming of the device, and regular follow-up.

Spinal cord stimulator surgery is one of the effective and reliable treatment options for patients whose quality of life has decreased due to chronic pain. The procedure is completed within 1 to 3 hours in most patients, and successful results can be achieved in suitable candidates. The duration of surgery may vary depending on the patient's health condition, the method to be applied, and surgical planning.

Appropriate patient selection, an experienced surgical team, and regular follow-up are of great importance for the success of the treatment. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı uses modern neuromodulation methods in chronic pain treatment to provide his patients with scientific and personalized treatment options. Obtaining a specialist opinion for a detailed evaluation and an appropriate treatment plan for spinal cord stimulator surgery is one of the most important steps in the treatment process.