Opioid use and spinal cord stimulation therapy: The long game

摘要: Abstract Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been considered as an alternative therapy to reduce opioid requirements in certain chronic pain disorders. However, information on long-term consumption patterns and their impact SCS device explantation is lacking. We conducted a retrospective study of 45 patients characterize usage after implantation. Daily morphine equivalent dosage (MED) increased, decreased, remained the same 40%, 20% at 1-year follow-up, respectively. Twelve (27%) underwent due treatment failure median 18 months Pre-operative status (naive vs. active use) was not associated with (18% 29%, p = 0.699) neither daily MED change (i.e. unchanged) (p = 0.499, 1.000, 0.735, respectively). Following explantation, reduction seen 92% dosages falling below pre-operative baseline nine. Among naive patients, 55% were opioids last follow-up (average 32.4 ± 14.6 months). Our results indicate that does decrease most Furthermore, post-operative evaluation beyond necessary assess efficacy durability well its requirement. Lastly, rigorous patient selection risk assessment for misuse dependence are paramount improving outcome