What Is Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery?

Chronic pain is one of the important health problems that can negatively affect a person's daily life, work performance, sleep patterns, and psychological condition. Medication treatments, physical therapy applications, nerve blocks, and various surgical methods may not provide sufficient results in every patient. Especially in long-lasting pain that is resistant to other treatments, one of the most effective methods used today is spinal cord stimulator surgery.

Spinal cord stimulator surgery, also known as "Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)" or "Epidural Nerve Stimulation," is a modern neuromodulation treatment that enables low-level electrical impulses to be sent to the nervous system through electrodes placed around the spinal cord. The aim is to help the patient feel less pain by changing the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

For successful results in spinal cord stimulation treatment, appropriate patient selection is of great importance. Therefore, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı plans treatment individually for his patients following a detailed neurological examination, imaging methods, and comprehensive evaluation.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery?

Spinal cord stimulator surgery is a surgical procedure in which thin electrodes are placed around the spinal cord and a battery device is implanted under the skin in order to control chronic nerve-related pain.

This system aims to reduce pain signals reaching the brain by generating low-voltage electrical impulses. The aim of the treatment is not to completely eliminate the disease, but to improve quality of life by reducing chronic pain.

Spinal cord stimulation systems used today are programmable and can be adjusted according to the patient's needs.

Who Undergoes Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery?

Spinal cord stimulator surgery is not performed on every patient. First, a detailed evaluation is required.

Treatment may be considered in the following conditions:

• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
• Chronic lower back and leg pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Pain caused by peripheral nerve injuries
• Certain chronic neck and arm pain
• Neuropathic pain that continues despite other treatments

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı evaluates the source of the patient's pain in detail and determines whether the patient is suitable for spinal cord stimulation treatment.

How Is Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery Performed?

The treatment is generally performed in two stages.

Trial Stimulator Application

• In the first stage, thin electrodes are placed in the epidural space under local anesthesia and sedation.
• The electrodes are connected to a temporary stimulator system.
• The patient uses the system for several days.
• During this period, a significant reduction in pain is expected.
• If the trial is successful, the permanent stimulator stage is started.

Permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement

• When the trial stage is successful, the permanent stimulator is placed under the skin.
• The battery is generally positioned in the hip or abdominal area.
• The electrodes are fixed around the spinal cord.
• The device is then programmed with the help of a computer, and settings suitable for the patient's pain area are made.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

When the right patient is selected, spinal cord stimulator surgery may provide many advantages.

May Help Reduce Chronic Pain

The main aim of the treatment is to reduce the severity of pain. A reduction in pain levels may positively affect the patient's quality of life.

May Improve Daily Quality of Life

Patients may be able to perform walking, sitting, sleeping, and social activities more comfortably.

May Reduce the Use of Painkillers

In some patients, the need for painkillers may decrease as pain control is achieved.

It Is a Programmable System

The stimulator settings can be changed according to the patient's needs and can be readjusted when necessary.

It Is a Reversible Treatment

In appropriate cases, the device can be removed or programmed differently.

Risks of Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

As with every surgical procedure, spinal cord stimulator surgery also has certain risks. However, these risks can be significantly reduced with an experienced surgical team and appropriate patient selection.

Infection: Infection may develop in the surgical area. Therefore, sterile surgical technique and postoperative care are of great importance.

Bleeding: Although rare, bleeding may occur during or after the procedure.

Electrode Displacement: If the electrodes move from their position, repositioning may be required.

Technical Problems Related to the Stimulator Device: Very rarely, technical problems may develop in the battery or connection cables. In these cases, the device can be reprogrammed or replaced.

Temporary Pain and Tenderness: Mild pain or tenderness may occur in the area where the stimulator is placed during the first few days after surgery.

Possible Disadvantages of Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

Although spinal cord stimulator surgery provides successful results in many patients, it has certain limitations.

The Same Result May Not Be Achieved in Every Patient

The success of the treatment may vary depending on the patient's diagnosis, the duration of the pain, and the degree of nerve damage.

Regular Follow-Up Is Required

The stimulator system should be checked at certain intervals and reprogrammed when necessary.

Battery Life Is Limited

Battery life may vary depending on rechargeable and non-rechargeable models. Battery replacement may be required over time.

It Requires a Surgical Procedure

Although it is a minimally invasive method, it is ultimately a surgical procedure and carries associated risks.

What Should Be Done After Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery?

Following the doctor's recommendations during the postoperative period is of great importance for the success of the treatment.

• Avoid Heavy Lifting
• Avoid Sudden Movements
• Pay Attention to Wound Care
• Do Not Skip Follow-Up Appointments
• Start the Exercises Recommended by Your Doctor

During this process, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı regularly performs postoperative follow-ups of his patients and closely monitors device settings and the recovery process.

Success Rate of Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

The success of spinal cord stimulator surgery depends on appropriate patient selection. Particularly in patients who experience a significant reduction in pain during the trial stimulator stage, a high level of benefit may be obtained from permanent stimulator implantation.

The aim of the treatment is not to completely eliminate pain, but to improve the patient's quality of life by bringing the pain under control.

Spinal cord stimulator surgery is one of the most advanced treatment options currently used for chronic neuropathic pain. Especially in suitable patients who have not received sufficient benefit from other treatment methods, it may contribute to reducing pain, increasing mobility, and improving quality of life. However, as with every surgical procedure, it carries certain risks, so patient selection and treatment planning are of great importance.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, an experienced brain and nerve surgery specialist in his field, comprehensively evaluates his patients before spinal cord stimulator surgery, creates a personalized treatment plan, carefully manages the surgical process, and aims to increase the effectiveness of treatment through regular follow-ups. With the correct indication and specialist approach, spinal cord stimulation treatment may provide important support for quality of life for many patients living with chronic pain.