A unique approach to neurostimulation in patients with previous two-segment spine surgery and obstruction of epidural access for spinal cord stimulation: a case series.

Introduction: Patients with extensive surgery in the lumbar and thoracic spine are often not considered for neurostimulation due to the inability to perform a conventional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trial. We are presenting six such patients in which spinal-peripheral neurostimulation (SPN) was used via a caudal approach.

Methods: Six patients with intractable low back and leg pain following extensive lumbar and thoracic surgeries, up to at least the T10 level, underwent a stimulation trial with one caudal lead and one subcutaneous lead in order to achieve SPN.

Results: In five cases, the trial was successful with coverage of the pain area and at least satisfactory pain relief. All six patients were implanted with a paddle lead(s) and a subcutaneous lead using SPN with good pain control.

Conclusion: SPN with a caudal lead appears to be a viable option for SCS trial in patients with no possibilities for conventional trial lead placement.