[Alternative site of implantation of pulse generator for spinal cord stimulation]

Neurostimulation is now a well-accepted treatment for neuropathic pain. The system is composed of an electrode and a battery-powered stimulator generally implanted in the abdominal wall or subclavicular space according to the location of electrodes. One of the complaints of the patients is the discomfort due to the site and the volume of the battery, particularly with the largest model used for dual channel stimulation. To reduce the frequency of this discomfort we propose an alternative site of implantation of the generator.

From January 2001 to February 2002, 17 of our patients chose the buttock area for implantation of the generator. After introduction of the electrodes in the epidural space and tunnelisation has been made to buttock, a pocket is performed in the subcutaneous area to lodge the generator.

Ninety-four percent of our patients were very satisfied with this alternative site. One of the 17 patients complained of pain when he was in a reclining position. Otherwise, this technique enable us to perform simultaneously the implantation of the electrodes and the generator facilitating the surgery.