National Italian Register of Implantable Systems for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Analysis of Preliminary Data.

The aim of this work is to assess quality of treatment and to monitor drawbacks of SCS implantation systems through a National Observational Center. Data were obtained through a questionnaire sent by post or via telephone to each patient. All patients were affected by chronic-'vascular' and "neuropathic" pain. Questionnaires were handed out to 463 patients. So far the returned questionnaires have accounted for 72% (with men accounting for 58% and women for 42%). The data obtained concern the decade between 1988 and 1999. Eighty-one percent of patients reported a positive assessment for pain control with neurostimulation; there was a lowering of drug needs in 71% of patients after implantation; 10% of patients reported problems with the use of their stimulator; an improvement in quality of life was reported by 63% of patients; 94% of patients enrolled in the registry expressed a positive judgement on their pain therapy center; and 87% of patients would make the same choice again, considering SCS to be a valid treatment for their condition. We conclude that the methodology used is consistent with that of previous studies on nonmalignant chronic pain. The data obtained also reveal implantation hardware reliability, regardless of clinical outcome. A low percentage of complications and a high degree of patient satisfaction are also to be stressed.