Spinal Cord Stimulator Cost and Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedures Information

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation Cost and Procedure Introduction

Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation is a procedure in which a small electrical device is placed under the skin near the spine. This procedure is recommended for patients with chronic pain after more conservative measures — medication, physical therapy, surgeries, injections — have failed to provide adequate relief. Spinal cord stimulators are used to deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord to mask pain signals before they reach the brain. Spinal cord stimulator implantations are performed at a hospital by a neurosurgeon who specializes in pain management. It is usually a two-stage procedure: There is a trial stimulator that will determine if the SCS will work for the type of pain you’re experiencing and where to place the stimulator. Most patients return home the same day as the procedure or the next morning. Recovery times vary, depending on how quickly your body heals and your pain level, but you should be able to return to normal activities within six weeks.

Patient Preparation for Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

A physical examination will be performed along with blood tests, chest X-rays and EKGs. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Also, let your doctor know if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention, and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to Expect During and After Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

There are two stages to the spinal cord stimulator implantation. The first stage is an outpatient procedure using local anesthetic. Using an X-ray to view the area, the surgeon will insert a hollow needle into the space between the bone and spinal cord. The trial lead is then inserted and placed near specific nerves. The wires will be attached to a generator worn on a belt. You’ll go home and monitor your pain level, following all instructions from your doctor. After three to seven days, you’ll return to your doctor to discuss next steps. If it was successful, you’ll move on to stage two. If the trial was unsuccessful, the doctor will remove the trial leads. Stage two is when the permanent stimulator is implanted. After arriving at the hospital, you’ll have a brief physical exam and you will be given a local anesthetic and sedative. The electrode leads are inserted with the aid of an X-ray. Then a small incision is made over the vertebra. A small portion of the bony arch is removed to make room for the leads, which are attached to the epidural space above the spinal cord. After testing the placement and pain level, the surgeon will run the lead wire under the skin to a generator which will be placed under the skin of the buttock. The surgeon will close the incision using stitches or steri-strips.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will most often be discharged to your home. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incision, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.