Jan Rudiger1, Simon Thomson. 1. Anesthetics & Paediatric ICU, St. George's Hospital, Tooting, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) infections are common (2.5-13%) and may cause harm. It is unclear if a screening trial with definitive leads presents an increased infection risk. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with SCS implantations were reviewed from 2004 to May 2008 with a trial period lasting 1-3 weeks. RESULTS: During the trial one infection (1.2%) occurred with removal of the SCS leads. Three infections (3.6%) occurred after the second stage and were successfully treated with antibiotics. No full implant was explanted due to infection. The more skilled/experienced operator had a lower infection rate (1.8%) than the less skilled/experienced (13%). CONCLUSIONS: Our infection rate (4.8%) compared favorably with our previous survey (7.5%). The reduced number of SCS infections is likely to be due to: strict asepsis, double layer hydrocolloid dressing during the trial, prophylactic antibiotics, operator experience, and patient education. Two-stage procedures with extended trials do not seem to increase the incidence of SCS infections.
OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) infections are common (2.5-13%) and may cause harm. It is unclear if a screening trial with definitive leads presents an increased infection risk. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with SCS implantations were reviewed from 2004 to May 2008 with a trial period lasting 1-3 weeks. RESULTS: During the trial one infection (1.2%) occurred with removal of the SCS leads. Three infections (3.6%) occurred after the second stage and were successfully treated with antibiotics. No full implant was explanted due to infection. The more skilled/experienced operator had a lower infection rate (1.8%) than the less skilled/experienced (13%). CONCLUSIONS: Our infection rate (4.8%) compared favorably with our previous survey (7.5%). The reduced number of SCS infections is likely to be due to: strict asepsis, double layer hydrocolloid dressing during the trial, prophylactic antibiotics, operator experience, and patient education. Two-stage procedures with extended trials do not seem to increase the incidence of SCS infections.
Authors: Ken P Ehrhardt; Susan M Mothersele; Andrew J Brunk; Jeremy B Green; Mark R Jones; Craig B Billeaud; Alan David Kaye Journal: Curr Pain Headache Rep Date: 2018-03-19
Authors: Allen M Haraway; J Quentin Clemens; Chang He; Cynthia Stroup; Humphrey O Atiemo; Anne P Cameron Journal: Int Urogynecol J Date: 2013-05-22 Impact factor: 2.894
Authors: Richard North; Mehul J Desai; Johan Vangeneugden; Christian Raftopoulos; Tony Van Havenbergh; Marc Deruytter; Jean-Michel Remacle; Jane Shipley; Ye Tan; Mary Jo Johnson; Carine Van den Abeele; Philippe Rigoard Journal: Neuromodulation Date: 2020-04-08