Your hospitalization
The hospitalization only lasts for three days and two nights of spinal cord stimulation at first, and then two days and one night for the second hospitalization (T2)
The installation happens in two operatory steps:
- T1 : a trial phase of the spinal cord stimulation (3 days of hospitalization)
- T2 : the generator is permanently implanted (2 days of hospitalization)
The trial period (T1)
Choosing which lead is going to be implanted is done accordingly to the patient’s spinal anatomy, and the extent of pain area.
The implantation can either be done by surgical technique (general anesthesia) or by percutaneous technique (local anesthesia) depending on what lead has been chosen.
The lead is implanted in the epidural area, near the cervical space when acting against pain in the upper limbs, and at the thoracic level for pain in the lower and lumbar limbs or the trunk.
It is then hooked up to testing cables, which are themselves connected to an external stimulator.
The testing period takes place over 3 days at the hospital, then 3 to 4 days at home.
The neurostimulator is activated as early as D0 or D+1. The neurosurgeon or the referring nurse program the settings. As for yourself, you have a remote controller to turn the device on and off, as well as adjust its intensity.
You will be offered a neurostimulator permanent implant if you notice a decrease of pain of at least 50%. Removal of the lead will be performed in case of failure.
The permanent implantation (T2)
This second step allows for the internalization of the cables and the generator. The generator, which can be either rechargeable or non rechargeable depending on your energy consumption, is implanted under your skin under heavy sedation or general anesthesia, near the abdomen or the rear.
