Prof. Dr. Serbülent Gökhan Beyaz
The pain pacemaker is a system that prevents the patient from feeling pain by stimulating a very thin electrode placed at the back of the spinal cord. It is especially applied to patients with chronic pain who have undergone back surgery but whose pain continues. Also, spinal cord injury It can also be applied to patients such as persistent pain in the legs afterward. Is it possible to completely eliminate the pain or does it just reduce the severity of the pain? In some patients, the pain completely disappears. In some patients pain decreases. The aim is to reduce pain by at least 50% with a pain pacemaker.
Pain pacemaker can be applied in two ways. The first method is the placement of the electrode on the spinal cord by entering the patient’s space between the spine, which we call the epidural distance, with the help of a very fine needle with local anesthesia. It is a short process and The patient does not feel much pain during the procedure. The advantages of this procedure are that there is no need for general anesthesia, instantaneous talking to the patient and full coverage of the area of pain, thus providing the best pain relief. It is generally not possible to apply in patients who have been operated on up to the back, such as scoliosis patients. It can be applied to patients who have been operated on at lower levels of the waist. The second method is through a small incision under general anesthesia. is the surgical placement of the electrode directly on the spinal cord. In both methods, the other ends of the placed electrodes are removed from the body and connected to the trial battery. The trial battery period is usually takes a few weeks. If the patient is satisfied during the trial battery period, a permanent battery is placed under the skin with a small operation.
Two types of batteries can be inserted into the patient. Normal battery or rechargeable battery. If a rechargeable battery is installed, it is necessary to charge the battery from the outside with a wireless system at regular intervals. Although it varies from patient to patient, the normal battery is 4-5 years. rechargeable batteries last 8-9 years. When the battery reaches the end of its life, it is replaced with a new battery.
Pain pacing is a method used as a last resort in patients with pain. For this reason, it is not suitable for patients with lumbar hernia who have never had surgery. The most important application criterion is pain caused by damage to the nerve itself, called neuropathic pain. Waist Patients who have undergone surgery and do not have post-operative nerve compression, but whose pain continues, are suitable for a pain pacemaker. If the patient has a low back problem that can be corrected with surgery, it is not appropriate to wear a pain pacemaker. First of all, surgery treatment should be attempted. If there is no situation in which the patient will benefit from surgery, first of all, drug therapy, physical therapy and, if necessary, algological interventions called epidural injection should be tried. If no treatment If it does not work, then pain pacemaker treatment can be decided.
Candidates for pain pills are usually those who have been on painkillers for a long time. Continuous use of painkillers can harm our body. The main goal of inserting a pain pacemaker is to reduce the patient’s drug dependence or, if possible, to stop it completely.
Practices in Turkey are quite successful. Seeing that patients who have been in pain for a long time and whose pain does not go away despite all treatment methods are tried, their pain is gone after the application of a pain pill and their faces are smiling, both the patient and the doctor. It is a very welcome development. The most important criterion in success is the struggle of the patient and the doctor together with the pain. In our country, patients know about the pain pacemaker, but it is important to inform the public about the pain pacemaker.
The Organizing Committee is delighted to extend our invitation to you for the Anatolian Pain Society International Congress, which will take place in Istanbul from October 24th to 27th, 2024. Our Special Scientific Committee has meticulously created a program that covers a wide range of topics, from acute to chronic pain, pain in palliative and home care, and ultrasound procedures in diagnosis and treatment.
We aim to provide you with the latest insights and advancements. Esteemed academics, leaders, and experts will share their expertise through presentations, and specialized courses and workshops. Let us unite to shape our field's future and foster meaningful connections within our community. May your presence strengthen our resolve and inspire further advancements in our field. With warm regards, Prof.Dr.Serbülent Gökhan Beyaz, M.D., FIPP
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