Surgical Treatment of Cancer Pain

Spinal cord electrical stimulation is a type of epidural spinal cord cell electrical stimulation therapy. The principle is mainly based on the theory of pain gating, blocking the transmission of pain information to the brain, that is, the brain can not receive the signal of pain. The spinal cord electrical stimulation system consists of three parts: (1) a neurostimulator that delivers electrical impulses; (2) electrodes that deliver electrical impulses to the spinal cord; and (3) wires that connect the electrodes to the neurostimulator. Spinal cord electrical stimulation: for neuropathic pain, the best effect for unilateral limb pain, for diffuse, multifocal or axial pain is less effective. Main clinical indications: ① chronic intractable low back pain, i.e. failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS); ② complex focal pain syndrome (CRPS); ③ phantom limb pain/stump pain; ④ peripheral ischemic pain; ⑤ chronic refractory angina pectoris; ⑥ arachnoiditis; ⑦ postherpetic neuralgia (PHV). Preoperative preparation: ① Necessary auxiliary tests: blood count, coagulation function, X-ray, CT, MRI, etc.; ② Pain, psychological and functional assessment; ③ Patient education: reasonable expectations, understanding and cooperation with treatment. Treatment objectives: relieve pain, improve and restore function, reduce the use of analgesics, and improve quality of life. Surgical procedure: ① Imaging-guided, aseptic operation. ② Prone position, electrode epidural implantation under local anesthesia. ③ The key to the success of the SCS test is to implant the stimulation motor accurately into the spinal cord stage corresponding to the pain, and to find the electrode location where the patient complains of abnormal sensations throughout the pain area. ④ Fixed electrodes are connected to the extracorporeal stimulator for temporary testing. ⑤ Screening test period of no more than 10 days. ⑥ Implantation of the entire system. Signs of successful extracorporeal testing: ① Stimulation covers the pain area. ② The patient is willing to accept the sensation of stimulation. ③ Achievement of the desired therapeutic goals: more than 50% pain relief, improvement of function, and improvement of quality of life. Precautions after permanent implantation: ① Stay in bed for 24 hours. ② Prevent sudden movements. ③Prevent over-suspension. Do not lift or pull heavy objects. ⑤ Keep using antimicrobials for 48 hours and apply pain medication to control pain if necessary. ⑥ Usually you can be discharged 1-2 days after surgery. Adverse effects: discomfort or jarring shock sensation, paresthesia, hematoma, CSF leakage, infection, device malfunction or displacement, implantation site pain, failure of pain relief, surgical risk, and other complications related to device fabrication. Post-implantation precautions: ①Systems that may affect or be affected by: pacemakers, defibrillators, MRI, ultrasound equipment, electrocoagulators, radiotherapy, security doors. ② Use of neurostimulation is do not drive and use dangerous equipment. ③Can not receive transdermal therapy (short wave, microwave, therapeutic ultrasound).