Spinal cord stimulation in the approach to chronic pelvic pain: A case report and literature review

Medicine, 2021 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000028379 · Published: December 2, 2021

Simple Explanation

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a pain related to pelvic structures that arise from posttraumatic pain, postsurgical pain, or somatic or visceral pain syndromes. Despite the available treatment options, CPP remains mostly untreated, due to difﬁculties in covering such a large area. A 46-year-old woman presented chronic low back pain and CPP for more than 1 year and 6 months respectively after multiple pelvic fractures. Through the combination of spinal cord stimulation Spectra Wavewriter and 3D programming technology, both lumbar and leg pain and CPP were successfully relieved, along with an improvement in the quality of life of the patient.

Study Duration

18 months postimplant

Participants

A 46-year-old woman

Evidence Level

Level 4: Case Report and Literature Review

Key Findings

1
Two weeks after the intervention a reduction of 80% of the pain was achieved, which led to the removal of the pharmacologic treatment.
2
Additionally, both EuroQOL-5D and visual analogue scale scores improved after the intervention.
3
VAS reduced from 10/10 to 3/10, pharmacologic treatment (especially opioid) was withdrawn, and QoL tested by EQ-5D improved.

Research Summary

The case report describes a 46-year-old woman with chronic low back pain and chronic pelvic pain (CPP) following multiple pelvic fractures, who experienced significant pain relief and improved quality of life after spinal cord stimulation (SCS) using the Spectra WaveWriter system and 3D neural targeting. The SCS intervention resulted in an 80% reduction in pain, allowing for the withdrawal of pharmacologic treatment and improvement in EuroQOL-5D and visual analogue scale scores. The authors conclude that the combination of SCS with advanced technology can be a successful approach for managing CPP, even in cases refractory to non-neuromodulation therapies.

Practical Implications

Improved Pain Management

Spinal cord stimulation with advanced technology may offer a viable option for patients with chronic pelvic pain who have not responded to traditional treatments.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Successful pain relief through SCS can lead to significant improvements in patients' quality of life, reducing reliance on medication and improving overall well-being.

Personalized Treatment Approaches

The use of systems like Spectra WaveWriter, which allows patients to select from different pre-configured programs, highlights the importance of personalized treatment approaches in pain management.

Spinal cord stimulation in the approach to chronic pelvic pain: A case report and literature review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Pain Management

Enhanced Quality of Life

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Spinal cord stimulation in the approach to chronic pelvic pain: A case report and literature review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Pain Management

Enhanced Quality of Life

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?