Spinal Cord Stimulation – Good Control of Post Hernia Pains

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.

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