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Published on: June 26, 2018
Seroma Management After Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement: A Case Series and Literature Review
Owais Qureshi1, Thomas Cheriyan2, Daniel Atkinson3
1Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.
Background:
Seromas, an uncommon complication of spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implants, can result in patient distress, increased office visits, and infection with eventual system explantation. Due to the rarity of this condition, diagnostic and treatment strategies are rather limited within the interventional pain field.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent SCS implant, from January 2014 to June 2019, at our academic center. Management of SCS implantation complicated by a seroma is described.
Results:
Out of 215 SCS implanted patients, 4 (1.9%) were complicated by a seroma. Seroma severity varied widely. Management varied from conservative management without intervention to evacuation, to moving the generator pocket, and to explantation due to a seroma infection and later replacement of the SCS.
Conclusions:
The management strategy of a post-SCS implant seroma varies based on the progress of the seroma formation. Close follow-up with evolving treatment is necessary to prevent further complications.
