Percutaneous spinal cord stimulation cylindrical lead placement for managing refractory neuropathic pain: A case series with an endoscopic-assisted approach

This study explores a new surgical method for implanting cylindrical leads (CL) for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to treat neuropathic pain. The method uses an endoscope to minimize trauma during the procedure. The technique involves using an endoscope to guide the placement of CLs, potentially reducing the invasiveness associated with traditional methods that require larger incisions and more tissue disruption. The study reports successful CL implantation in all patients using the endoscope-assisted technique, with improvements in pain scores and quality of life. No major complications were observed.

• 1
  Successful cylindrical lead implantation under endoscopic guidance was achieved in all patients, including those with failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and chronic pelvic pain.
• 2
  The study found significant improvements in VAS score of regional pain, PDI score, and PROMIS of patient’s quality of life after surgery.
• 3
  No major complications such as spinal cord injuries, dural tears, lead migration, or postoperative infections were observed in any of the patients.