[Epidural stimulation for pain control (author's transl)]

Twenty consecutive cases of internalized epidural stimulators are reviewed. All patients presented with the "failed disc syndrome" following multiple laminectomies. Transcutaneous insertion technique is discussed and results as well as complications are reviewed. Good results on pain, together with regaining normal physical activity occurred in 50% of the cases in the past two years. While patients with a lateralized pain syndrome fared well, a bilateral distribution of pain results in many failures. One post-operative infection required removal of the stimulator. In six cases, electrode movements were considered as the cause of failure. Epidural stimulation is indicated in the treatment of chronic pain. Better patient selection and decrease in electrode movements should improve the results in the future.