Author: Chan HA, et al.
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-025-02556-x
This retrospective study analyzed 100 patients who received spinal cord stimulation (SCS) at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto between January 2020 and July 2023. The most common indications were chronic pain after spinal surgery, chronic back pain without prior surgery, and complex regional pain syndrome. While infection (2%) and lead migration (14%) rates aligned with global data, the incidence of dural puncture (6%) was unusually high compared to the expected rate of 0.48%. The majority of patients were on multimodal analgesics before implantation, including opioids, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants.
The study adds valuable Canadian real-world data to the literature on SCS outcomes and complications, supporting its use in carefully selected chronic pain patients. These findings may inform patient counseling and guide future risk-reduction strategies.
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Chan HA, et al. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-025-02556-x
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We thank the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) for allowing us to share this article. We encourage all anesthesia providers and pain specialists to join this exceptional organization that promotes research, education, and improved patient care worldwide.