15 Cases of intractable chronic post-operative groin pain post hernia surgery had spinal cord stimulation leads implanted. All experience >75% reduction in pain and in some cases back pain was covered some as well. 11 stopped painkillers; the other 4 reduced it. Followup 1 year so far.
Spinal Cord Stimulation as Alternative Treatment for Chronic Post-Herniorrhaphy Pain
Alexander E. Yakovlev, MD* · Mazin Al Tamimi, MD† · Giancarlo Barolat, MD‡ ·
Sergey A. Karasev, MD§ · Yuri A. Merkulov, MD¶ · Beth E. Resch, APNP* · Victoria E. Yakovleva, BA*
Neuromodulation in press 2010 abstract here
- 11 men; 4 women
- ages 29 – 71
- most over 12 months duration]’
- all had at least one surgical exploration of site
Prior treatments included:
- gabapentin and pregabalin
- opioids
- tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs)
- lidocaine patches
- physical therapy
- TENs unit
Stimulation: –
- two eightelectrode epidural leads with epidural access was gained at the T12/L1 or L1/L2 with final leads positioned at T7-T8-T9
- Between 1.8 and 3.2 V, pulse width 350–450 msec, and frequency 40–50 Hz.
- procedure done under local anesthesia
Complications – none
Comment – this is a non-destructive, reversible technique with great potential. I hope this gives people with chronic pain hope. Who does it? – Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN supplies much of the equipment and might be able to guide your doctor to who is doing it regionally.