Author/Editor		Strojnik, Tadej; Chudy, Darko; Krčevski-Škvarč, Nevenka
Title		Stimulacija hrbtnega mozga za kronično neobvladljivo bolečino
Translated title		Spinal cord stimulation for chronic intractable pain
Type		članek
Source		In: Komadina R, Stahovnik A, editors. 5. Celjski dnevi. Zbornik izbranih predavanj simpozija o poškodbah in okvarah hrbtenice; 2005 apr 8-9; Celje. Celje: Splošna bolnišnica Celje,
Publication year		2005
Volume		str. 209-21
Language		slo
Abstract		Background. Chronic back pain is the third most common reason of chronic disability. When optimum medical management has failed to adequately restore function and relieve pain, it may be necessary to consider spinal cord stimulation. We described the mechanisms of pain relief by electrical stimulation, indications, patient selection criteria, implantable devices and electrode implant techniques. Our three years experiences are presented. Patienfs and Methods. When optimum medical management, including operation, medicaments and physical rehabilitation, has failed to relieve pain, it may be necessary to consider spinal cord stimulation. Multidisciplinary evaluation of the patients is important. Eleven patients with neurostimulator are presented. At the moment 3 candidates await the decision about payment. Six patients are included in the screening protocol for neurostimulation. Results. In Maribor we implanted three neurostimulator for failed back surgery syndrome. The outcome is excellent in one case and good in two cases. In Zagreb four patients were operated successfully for failed back surgery syndrome. In two patients who suffered from causalgia after gun shoot wound of the spine the neurostimulation was not effective. Stimulation in patients with polyneuropathy relieved the pain as well as in the patients with causalgia after resection of the nervous peroneus. Conclusions. Chronic pain treatment remains difficult. Spinal cord stimulation is effective as a treatment for persistent radicular pain after lumbosacral spine surgery Spinal cord stimulation is cost-effective. Use of analgesics and number of the reoperations are diminished. Activities of daily living and work status are improved. We hope that we could proceed with implantation of the neurostimulator in our country.
Descriptors		LOW BACK PAIN SPINAL CORD ELECTRIC STIMULATION THERAPY ELECTRODES, IMPLANTED TREATMENT OUTCOME