Spinal cord stimulation for visceral pain related to chronic pancreatitis: report of 2 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To report our experience related to the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for relief of chronic pancreatitis-related neuropathic visceral pain.


METHODS
Two patients, 50 years old and 39 years old, presented with intractable visceral pain related to chronic pancreatitis. A quadripolar electrode for SCS was inserted at the T8-10 level using a percutaneous technique. After a successful trial, a permanent stimulator was inserted.


RESULTS
At a mean follow-up of 7 years, both patients showed a marked improvement, with 80% and 90% decrease of pain, respectively, as assessed by Visual Analogue Scale. Pain medications were discontinued in both cases.


CONCLUSIONS
SCS appears to be an effective long-term treatment for neuropathic visceral pain related to chronic pancreatitis.
Neurosurgical Department, Regional Neurosciences Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Electronic address: francesco.vergani@nuth.nhs.uk.
Francesco
F
Vergani
Neurosurgical Department, Regional Neurosciences Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Alexandros
A
Boukas
Neurosurgical Department, Regional Neurosciences Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Nitin
N
Mukerji
School of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Nishma
N
Nanavati
Neurosurgical Department, Regional Neurosciences Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Claire
C
Nicholson
Neurosurgical Department, Regional Neurosciences Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Alistair
A
Jenkins
D000328:Adult; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D050500:Pancreatitis, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D011859:Radiography; D062187:Spinal Cord Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D059265:Visceral Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*
Chronic pancreatitis; Dorsal column stimulation; Neuropathic pain; Spinal cord stimulation